((This is a continuation of Xaver' Ginny, and Cody's side after the one in Hogsmead. I really don't care who joins, but PM me first so we can go over a few specifics.))
As the small family disappeared, Ginny gently redirected Xaver's magic to a small cottage far out in the English countryside. They appeared outside, in front of the small, but cozy place and Cody squealed with delight.
"Momma, Miss Nancy took care of the plants." He said, wiggling down from Xaver's arms and pointing at the windows. Ginny nodded as Cody grabbed Xaver's hand, "Come on Daddy. I'll show you my room."
As Cody pulled Xaver into the front room of the place, a fire raised up in the hearth, instantly warming the room just enough. Ginny made a noise, "Cody, take off your coat and hang it up." She told him, and Cody did take off his coat, discreetly leaving it on a small couch and attempting to drag Xaver down a hall.
Xaver looked over the little cottage when they appeared, and smiled slightly, letting Cody down when he began wiggling. They walked inside, into the warm, welcoming atomosphere. He liked the place instantly.
..It smelled of Ginny, and familiar, homely scents.
He chuckled softly, a low, warm, pleasant sound - completely opposite of the magics he'd just brought about, allowing the ease to settle back into his creature.
Downtime was what he wanted.
What he needed.
"Hold on, hold on.. Just a minute.."
Xaver grinned slightly.
"You can show me your room, but hang up your coat first, like your mother said. First things first, Son."
Cody sighed, picking his coat up and walking to where a peg was placed in the wall just high enough for him to get his coat on it. Then he turned and grabbed Xaver's hand again, "Come ooooooon." He said, not whining, just a bit energetic. He pleaded with his eyes, "Please, Daddy?"
Ginny rolled her eyes at Xaver and smiled, "Go on, before he busts a blood vessle." She turned, taking off her shoes and her sweatshirt and going into the kitchen.
Xaver shook his head, nodding, finally.
"Fine, fine.. Let's go then, before the room runs away without us."
He grinned, slightly, catching Ginny's smile, his mood, that had darkened condsiderably with his brother's arrival, lightening.
Cody took Xaver down a hallway, then pushing open a door hall way down to reveal a room very child like. A half crib, half bed that was his, books lined up on shelves (many children's books), toys all over the place and colours of all sorts designing to room into a dizzying place. Cody lead Xaver to the bookcase, letting go of his hand to retrieve a stool. He climbed up, picking a book from a shelf and showing it to Xaver.
"This is my magic book." He said, "It keeps my memories for me without me having to write."
Ginny leaned against a counter in the kitchen, pushing open the fridge and looking inside. She sighed, blowing hair out of her face, only to have it float back down. Finally she kicked the fridge shut again and tapped her cheek, wondering about what to make later on to eat.
"Yeah?"
Xaver looked over Cody's shoulder, interested, one hand planted on the boys head, and the other brushing the cover of the book.
"I had something like that, when I was younger... I don't think I'll ever want to find mine, let alone ever read it."
Despite Cody's age, and the magnificent room about him that portrayed it so well, Xaver never spoke to the boy like he was a baby ..because he wasn't one. He may have been three, and there was still a world to learn, but he wasn't a human three.. It was just a little different with them.
He was his baby boy, but he wasn't a baby.
Xaver wanted to teach him the world as it really was... One thing at a time. The boy had already seen a darker side of his father, today.
-If you want, I can cook tonight, love..-
Cody smiled, "Look, it shows Momma holding me when I was a baby." He flipped open the book, and a crystel clear picture of Ginny holding a small baby was on the page. Like all magical pictures, Ginny smiled and waved at the 'camera', showing off her child with pride.
Cody smiled brightly, "I don't really remember, but Momma helps it write sometimes."
Ginny jumped when Xaver spoke, not used to hearing his voice while standing in this kitchen. She pulled herself up, now sitting on the counter, looking around the kitchen.
-I'm afraid there isn't much to cook. When Cody and I went to visit Mum and Dad, I cleaned out the fridge. I have to go shopping unless you guys want canned soup.-
Xaver looked at the photo, his eyes roaming over it, and forever burning the image into his thoughts, a familiar, saddening pain jolting him.
"I missed so much.." he said softly, his tones low, and somber, as he continued to stare.
-What ever it is you want, beautiful. We can all go to the store, or you can go to the store, or I can go to the store..-
-I like canned soup...- She told him, smiling at the thought.
Cody looked up at him, "Why?" He asked, softly. He really did want to know why his father had missed so much, why he had left. And why he had come back.
Xaver chuckled, mentally.
-Canned soup it is, then, love. I can still be your gourmet chef if you'd like.-
Xaver looked away from the book, finally, when Cody looked up at him, asking the most used, and still most honest and demanding of questions.
Cody deserved his answers.
"I left.." he began slowly, looking for the right words. "I left to the place where I grew up, with every intention that I'd be back very quickly. A few days, at most... But then a week passed. A week and a day. Two days.. And none of the work I had gone there for to begin with was making sense, let alone being finished.. I hated it. I wanted to go back. I wanted to see your mom.."
Xaver blinked awkwardly, and looked to the side.
"I remember the next few days, vaguely, but it's mostly a haze, from then.. until the day I came back. I suppose it will come back to me, over time... Though I'm not really sure I want to know, anymore... But that day, we saw each other for the first time.. I hadn't known Ginny was going to have you. You came as a complete surprise.. But the best surprise I could have ever dreamed up."
Cody nodded, climbing back up on his stool and replacing the book. He turned, still on the stool, facing Xaver. "It's okay. I was a surprise to Momma too." He smiled, climbing down, "Momma told me that I saved her. I don't know from what." He smiled,, sitting on his floor. After a moment, he looked up, frowning. "Momma's gonna fall."
-Oh really? And what wonders can you do with canned soup?-
Ginny slid off the counter, going to a cupboard and rifling through it to find some kind of soup. Unfortunately, she couldn't reach high enough and she dragged over a chair, standing on it to see deeper in the cabnit. Her toes were on the edge of the chair, tipping it slightly.
-Admittedly not as much as I can do with your pretty little self, but I can still whip out a wonder..-
"..I was a surprise to Momma too."
Xaver hadn't known that..
He couldn't imagine what it was like.. Giving birth to Cody, and making it on her own, the way she had...
He. Should. Have. Been. There.
He looked at Cody, at his prediction. And disappeared.
He appeared behind Ginny, as she tipped the chair, wrapping his arms around her middle and bringing her to him, spinning her in a circle, easily, shaking his head and chuckling quietly.
"Honestly, love - you're going to kill yourself!"
He set her down, though he didn't let her go..
Ginny let out a small, startled yell, then looked at him, "What in heavens names are you talking about?" As her feet touched the ground, she rised a hand to her heart, "Jeeze, give me a heart attack next time, ok?"
After a moment, she looked at him and smiled, "Gonna let me go?" She asked, laughing softly.
Cody was silent in his room for a moment, listening to make sure Xaver had gotton there in time, before he began to play with his toys, for the time being, occupied.
Xaver chuckled lowly, nuzzling into Ginny's neck.
"Nope."
He smiled slightly, to himself
"Cody had an insight that you might fall. I trust his instincts."
He kissed the soft skin of her neck, before straightening, intertwining his fingers behind her back.
"I transported a little quickly."
Ginny giggled softly when he kissed her neck, her cheeks growing slightly pink.
"Of course you should trust his instincts. He has the psychic genes." She told him, trying to change the subject.
She smiled at him, watching his eyes with wonder. She had missed this alot, him joking around with her. The ease they spoke with.
"Well - exactly. And him saying you might fall scared me to death."
Xaver chuckled softly, returning her smile.
"Soup is awesome, but not worth you."
Ginny smiled slyly, "Your a flirt." She lifted her arms to his shoulder, standing on her toes and bringing her face close to his, "You shouldn't be allowed to talk sometimes." She told him, smiling.
"You're a flirt."
He nodded, not denying it, wrapping his arms more snugly about her middle and bringing her closer, flush against him, soft curves to the hard planes of his body.
He grinned wickedly when her face neared closer to his.
"But talking gets me out of trouble.."
"Talk fast, pretty boy." Ginny said, her voice lowering softly, her eyes watching his with intrest.
Xaver smirked, playfully, and shook his head.
"Mmm, no. I think I'd rather be troublesome."
His tones lowered as well, husky, and rich with emotion. He grinned slightly, and then kissed her, closing the distance between them, his hands about her back, and hair as his lips plundered hers, achingly slow, enjoying the warm, raw energy between them..
Ginny playfully bit his bottom lip, then backed up, slowly untangling his fingers from themselves and her hair.
"You've gotton bad at kissing, " She teased him lightly. That wasn't true, she actually thought he had gotton better, but she was allowed to tease him.
All's fair in love.
Xaver scowled at her, though it turned into a sort of playful grin, quickly after.
"Care to reteach me, then? I've heard old feathered dogs can learn new tricks better."
He chuckled softly, leaning back against the counter.
"Give me a break, woman, I've been off for a long time!"
"Maybe later." She said with a hint of a smile, then, "No. No breaks for you. If I let you off easy this time, you'll think you can do it all the time." She laughed, turning around and reaching up for the soup cans again. This time, she used a bit of magic to help her, then turned, grabbing a large pot and steting it on a stove. She opened the cans and put the cold soup into the pot, adding water and stirring.
"Look, even I can cook!" She laughed.
He chuckled again, quietly.
"There are no words needed to remind anybody that you are one amazing woman. Cooking is just a plus."
He winked at her, retrieving bowls from one of the cabinets, not really thinking about it, and setting the table for the three of them.
Ginny smiled at him, hitting the heat off and stirring the soup some more. She watched him set the table, silently, somewhat amazed at how this felt all felt so new and yet old and familer at the same time.
"Xaver...?" She started, quietly, "I love you."
He had been setting Cody's small, plastic fork and spoon down, fiddling with it, when she'd said his name, and he looked up at her, curiously.
His heart gave a warm start, and a small, adoring smile slowly donned his handsome features, tipping his lips.
"And I, love you. ..What are you thinking of?"
He set Cody's fork down, his hands resting on the back of the chair.
"I dunno..." She fumbled around for the right words, "I just realized, "She shrugged, turning back to the soup again, "I was lost without you."
She didn't look up for a long moment, but when she did, she met his eyes and smiled. She placed the stirring spoon down and walked past Xaver, touching his cheek with one finger as she moved out of the kitchen towards Cody's room.
"Angel, dinner time."
Xaver watched her, his heart aching both lovingly, and sadly, his eyes following her as she left the soup, and went past him, her finger brushing his cheek a moment before she was on, and at the door behind him, calling Cody.
He heard Cody's light, quick footsteps as he romped down toward them, and he grinned slightly, finding it a natural reflex, though his heart felt suddenly heavy.
He knew he'd hurt Ginny, being away, for so long.
Distance was a terrible thing... And he didn't know what to do about it. To make it better..
He waved his hand, absently, glasses shuffling out of the cabinet, and arranging themselves upon the table, flawlessly, and soundlessly, his thoughts elsewhere.
Cody stopped in the doorway, then looked back at Ginny, "Momma, Daddy's using magic to do easy stuff." He said, tattling. Ginny smiled, and put her hand on Cody's head, gently pushing him forward towards his chair.
"It's okay, honey. Daddy doesn't know our rules for magic yet. I'm sure he'll learn." Ginny smiled at Cody, helping him climb onto a chair. She winked at Xaver and started ladeling soup into bowls, giving Cody less then she gave herself and Xaver.
-Little nark, isn't he?- Ginny's words were full of affection for her son.
He stirred at Cody's words, the boy's voice stirring him out of his reverie.
Xaver blinked.
"Rules..?"
Mentally, Xaver was chuckling heartily.
-Mmm, indeed so. Kylie was like that.. She used to always tell on me to you, remember? She'd be the first to point things like that out.-
He shook his head, the smile on his lips never faltering, though there was a flicker of memory behind his deep eyes, a tone of sadness reflecting softly in their blues, intermingled with the warm joy his family gave him. He never spoke of his late little sister, so it was quite out of his character for him to do so, so randomly... But a lot of time, indeed, had passed - and some thing had changed, Cody being the most physical memoir of all, but...
He took himself by surprise, even.
Cody nodded a few times, "Yup. Using magic to do easy stuff is showing off. And it let's your enimes see some of your power." He grinned and Ginny laughed softly.
"I'm afraid I've told him too many stories from my youth." Ginny laughed again, feeling a bit old. She was only 20, younger then most mothers with children Cody's age, but nonetheless, she felt old at times.
Ginny sat down, pushing her hair back and smiling at Xaver.
-Yes, I remember.-
"I've done that twice today, haven't I?"
He shook his head slightly, grinning, sitting, bringing his bowl of soup all the closer, and breathing in the warm, delicious perfume.
-Smart kids.-
Ginny smiled softly at him, watching Cody off and on as they ate to make sure he didn't make too much of a mess. When Cody finished, he looked at his mother expectingly, "How long can I play?" He asked.
Ginny contemplated the question, not done with her own soup yet, "!5 minutes, then bath time. And bed time right after. Go ahead, get lost." She told him, ending with a smile. Cody looked at Xaver, smiling, then slipped out of his seat and practically ran from the room.
He hadn't been near his own toys in almost a wekk. He missed them.
Xaver finished his soup, much about the time Cody did, and was filling himself with his second bowl when Cody asked to be down, to go play. He chuckled softly into his spoon, as the boy scampered off with as much enthusiasm as before.
-A goof.-
-Just like his father.-
Ginny stood, taking her and Cody's bowls to a sink, then cleaning up the rest opf the minor mess the meal had made. She did it without complaining, or even really realizing it. She had learned in the first year of this life that certain things would always need done, even if she hated them, and she might as well do them and get them done without wasting her breath or energy complaining.
Now she smiled at Xaver as she cleaned, "Really, I sometimes forget how young he is."
Xaver smiled slowly, finishing up his bowl, and standing, the bowl clasped in his hand, as with his other he pushed in their chairs, thoughtful. He set his bowl down, awkwardly, on the counter beside the sink, feeling a bit useless because he wasn't the one washing up, and guilty because she was. He contented with standing behind her as she worked over the sink, one arm wrapping around her waist, the other fiddling with her lovely hair, as he rested his chin lightly upon her shoulder, chuckling softly.
"It's easy to... He's brilliant. Cute, too. I think we've got our hands full.."
He smiled, slightly, tilting his head to the side so he could look at her.
Xaver was a bit worn, and a bit on edge, still, his senses raw from the encounter with his brother, though, slowly, but completely, he felt that warm peacefullness settling into him again. And he welcomed it.
"I suppose it'll seem he's growing up fast... but he's got a lot of stages and youth left to go, no?"
"I suppose. I sometimes worry about him growing too fast." Ginny leaned back against him, smiling softly.
Xaver brought her close, hugging her against him, his smile unending, and full of warmth.
"You've been a good mom, Love. You've been good to me, too."
He shook his head, his chin on her shoulder.
"Cody and I, we got very lucky, didn't we?"
He grinned.
"If you say so, hun." Ginny looked at him sideways, drying her hands and shutting the water off. She stood in his arms for a moment, her eyes closed, simply loving the feeling, then moving from him.
"Time for Cody's bath." She explained, "You can look around, get used to the place if you like."
Xaver missed being close to her already, but he nodded.
"Alright. Call down if you need anything.."
He shrugged. He doubted she needed help..
Ginny smirked, "I promise me and you will stay up and talk after I get Cody in bed." She doubted they'd talk, really. But cuddling would be ten times better without having to run after the three year old.
She went back into Cody's room, watching him before clearing her throat. He looked up and sighed, but threw no real fuss. He was gettng sleepy anyway. She took him to the bathroom, started the water and got him in the tub.
Xaver grinned after her, shaking his head after she'd rounded the corner, and chuckling softly to himself. He looked around for a moment, suddenly alone. As he heard the bath begin, he padded, quietly, into the living room, fixed up in a homely fashion that was very much Ginny's style.. He picked up the pillow on a chair, and sat, planting his elbows upon his knees, the pillow encased between his arms. It smelled of her.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment.
Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes passed, and Ginny was carrying him into the living room. He held some stuffed animal, his hair still wet and spikey around him, his eyes dropping slightly.
"Say goodnight to Dady." She told Cody and he smild, wanting to be let down. Ginny put him down and he went to Xaver, climbing on his lap without being invited, hugging him.
"Goodnight, Daddy." He kissed Xaver's cheek again, "I love you."
[That was so cuute. XD]
Xaver opened his eyes, and slowly looked over to them, when Ginny spoke, smiling slightly, as he came out of his reverie.
He opened his arms, moving the pillow to the side when Cody came to him, loosely wrapping his arms around the boy when he clambered onto his lap.
"Goodnight, Daddy... ...I love you."
Sentimentality was going to be the end of him.
His heart stirred, and he fought a sudden lump in his throat, as he brought Cody into a tight squeeze of a hug, planting a smack of a kiss upon the boy's own forehead.
"I love you too, Cody. Cross my heart."
He smiled slightly, signing an 'X' over his chest, his other arm wrapped around his son. He messed the boy's identical, messy hair.
"You off to bed?"
"Mmhmm. Momma says it's time." Cody's grin was wide, but tired. He snuggled up against Xaver, sleepily, "But I don't wanna."
Ginny smiled slightly, "Now Cody, " She started, warningly. She knew he was going to try and get his dad to allow him to stay up longer. Cody sighed and gave Xaver another hug, before slipping off his lap and going to Ginny, clasping her hand.
Ginny smiled at xaver before leading Cody to his room, tucking him in.
((I know. :] ))
Xaver smiled softly, concealing a grin.
"You must. Momma says so."
He hugged Cody back, and then stood as they went back down the hall, trailing slightly, until he was at the mouth of the hallway, leaning a shoulder against the wall, and folding his arms, waiting, silently, for Ginny to return, unable to hide the bemused smile from his lips.
Ginny softly closed the door behind her, turning and smiling at Xaver. She put a finger to her lips and pointed towards the living room.
Once back out there, she sat on the floor, her back against the couch, facing the warm fire.
"He rarely goes to sleep that easily."
He followed, soundlessly, dropping onto the floor beside her, and scooching close, until they touched.
"He's had a long day," he said quietly. "We all have. You know just as well as I how much a stressful, draining ..pest.. my brother can be."
Ginny pulled her knees up close to her, wrapping her arms around them and putting her chin ontop.
"Yes. I know." She siad, her voice barly audiable, "He's...too much." She couldn't help but shiver at the thought of his brother. What if Xaver hadn't been there? What if Xaver had pulled him back, kept him from attacking her and Cody?
She felt she was no match for Xences.
He looked at her.
"Too much?"
Too much to deal with. Too much to think of.. to remember.
Xaver had a fleeting thought - if maybe he'd been a little different, when they were younger. Done things different.. Taken different measures. And Xences more seriously.
Maybe if he'd taken in all the angles - and had actually seen his twin brother as a threat, back when, things would be different now.
They both wouldn't certainly be living.
A sharp, resounding pain set into the back of his head.
Typical.
Typical. Have a problem? Think of killing it off. Good job, Xaver.
Xaver cursed himself.
Talk about a fascade of a role-model. He was a natural-born killer. A natural monster. He was good at it - there was no denying the fact - and how many times had he used that to his own advantage?
Too many.
Killing Xences.
Da*nation
"Just...I'm glad you were there today." She tilted her head, her cheek resting on her knees, looking at him. Her eyes communicated more then she could say aloud, but she shivered again.
"I'm just scared of him."
Gently, he took her closest hand, lacing her fingers with his own, and giving her hand a slight squeeze.
He was glad he was there today, too... If Xences had touched them..
Ohh. Talk about hell on earth.
"I'm not scared of him.. Just what he could do. What he would do... What he's become.."
That slimy good-for-nothin' bastard.
"Well, I AM scared of him." She closed her eyes, squeezing his hand tightly, "There's no way I could protect Cody if he decided to go after him." She shook her head, "I'm not able to do that."
She closed her eyes and swallowed, shivering again. She leaned her head on his shoulder, not opening her eyes.
"I kept Cody like a secret for most of his life. I didn't want word getting to Xences."
And she had done that well.
If Xences was a reason why Xaver had been gone so long.. ..and he had known that? He would've somehow used Cody. To get to Xaver. Somehow, some way - and Xaver would have known about his son before he'd come home..
The thought sickened him.
Xaver shifted slightly, allowing her to lay more comfortably against him, planting a kiss upon the top of her head, and closing his eyes. Squeezing his eyes shut.
"I.. don't know," he said softly. "I really don't know what would happen.. If that happened.."
Xaver clenched his jaw, then leaned back slightly, squeezing her hand, offering her the comfort he could, though he was as worried as she.
"I know, love, that once we are married - you will be offered and/or get a certain array of ..powers, I suppose. It's not a tradition - more like an ..inheritance? Is that the word? ..I've been away from language for so long.. Anyway. You and Cody acquire your own individual, enhancing sort of power. A passing-down, from prior generations... I don't know what difference that will make - but you'd have powers more similar my own. More like the Fallen. Traditional Fallen, anyway. Xences and I were always a bit different ...prodigies, my mother used to say."
He laughed, without amusement, then shook his head, and looked at her.
"But anyway.. Powers similar to my own - I don't know what that would do - but, as Xences changes.. It seems to help. You damper fire, with water, remember. Or eart, or whatnot."
((In nightmares, is it gonna be true? send me a msg.))
"What?" Ginny's eyes remained closed, and she moved nothing other then her lips as she spoke, "That's a surprise." She hadn't known she gained powers upon marrying a Fallen. And she hadn't known that Cody would gain even more. He was already scarily good with magic.
"Yes, water is my choice element. But I am able to use each.."
(Kay. Will do. And that last post was your 14444th post lol Neat numeroo XD)
"Mmm.."
Xaver gently unlaced their hands, shifting, and wrapping his arm around her, closing whatever distance had remained between them. He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to relax, finally, stretching out his legs, absorbing the warmth of the fire. Usually he didn't like too much heat, and preferred the cool and tonight it seemed just right. He planted a lingering kiss atop her head, resting his chin upon the spot.
"Cody would ascend into his powers, anyway, I suppose... When he reaches a certain age. Or a point in which he is mature enough, anyway. Little is much different for him... But yes, you, too, gain powers. Though upon your chosing, I suppose. You aren't Fallen.. You have a choice in the matter. A sort of amplifying of powers, I suppose. And it would be more signifigant for you, as it was for me ..when I ascended to the throne. Because neither of us are normal, I suppose.."
Xaver frowned slightly.
Despite the responsibility he had always taken over his home-realm, and all the effort and blood of his own he'd put in, it was still new to recognize himself ..as King.
It was an odd title.
Did it suit him?
He didn't think so... He was born into it.. Born to be it. And he'd worked hard at it.
But it was still weird to think of himself that way. Character flaw? He didn't know..
(('Tis indeed neat. Lolz))
"I may not like the way my life is sometimes, but I wouldn't trade it for anything." Ginny smiled slightly, now opening her eyes halfway, "Being normal is over rated." She snuggled against him, looking very much like a contented cat now.
"You do realize, of course, this makes Cody a prince twice over, legally."
He took her hand, turning it over, in his own, as he thought about that. After a moment, he smiled, very slightly.
"And you, a queen twice over, I suppose. You have been always, my forest princess... Now you are my queen?"
Xaver chuckled, quietly.
They were tantalizingly unique.
Drama?
No one could really compare?
Responsibilities?
People really had no idea...
How much Xaver loved her?
Even his own powerful mind could not begin to fathom how much, the way his heart so easily understood.
"I suppose so." Ginny smiled, happy, warm, safe. After a moment of silence she stood, untangling herself from him and stretching. She ran a hand through her red hair, pushing it back, then sighing as it fell down softly.
"I'm afraid you'll get to spend alot of alone time with Cody soon. I'm going to need to get a job." She frowned, then smiled, "My funds are running low."
"You know that wouldn't even be a problem," he said, honestly.
Spending time with Cody was no bother to him.
An obsidian eyebrow arched, as Xaver draped his arms over the cushions of the couch, looking up at her, as she now stood.
"I once boasted to a kid Draco that I had a thousand fold his bank's entirities... A boast - though not a lie. In m-.. our name, I suppose - there's more than we can possibly do away with, even if we really tried. The catch being I only have to go get it - but.."
Xaver looked at her.
"Do what you do, because you want to, love. Not because you have to. It's been a long ride to getting there, but I assure you - you don't 'have to'.. Not anymore. I know you'll probably still work - it's as much in you, as me..."
He waved his hand, his train of thought lost to him.
Ginny smiled at him, winking, "Malfoy, the little ferret. He's unimportant."
She hadn't thought that years ago, she had almost killed him, her temper having gotten the better of her that time. But now, her anger had ebbed, more important things had come into her life.
"As for work, I quit all three of my jobs when I found out I was pregnant." She shrugged, pushing her hair behind her ears now, out of her face and out of her way. She didn't feel any remorse from quitting her jobs, she hadn't liked them much. "I really don't wish to go back to the Ministry or the school and ask for my jobs back." She rolled her shoulders, grimacing at the thought.
"You thirsty?" She asked, suddenly changing the subject as she headed towards the kitchen.
"You don't have to."
He shrugged.
If she wanted to go back to work - he was behind her on it. But, if she didn't, she surely didn't have to..
His eyes followed her, as she moved around the couch, his ears catching her soft footfalls as she padded, behind him, into the kitchen.
"No, thank you. I ate and drank too much at dinner, already.."
Xaver patted his abdomen, the muscles beneath his thin shirt as hard, and compact as ever - but sore.
"Going from no meals allowed, if I remember correctly, to gorging yourself, just isn't healthy."
"That's true. It's highly recommened you exercise before eating as well." Ginny called from the kitchen, shrugging slightly not really paying attention to what she said. She was just spouting off something she had learned in school, long ago. To be seriouse, she was sligtly nervouse. She and Xaver hadn't really been alone, not for over a few minutes or so.
It was strange to have him to herself like this, though not bad. But she just didn't know what to say to him.
What do you say to the guy who you love, who got you pregant and who was MIA for three years?
(((OH, boy. Last line. 'Twas sad. =( lol I was like 'she has a point oh jeez she has a point awww she has a point.. they're so adorable.' <- Yeah. That's how it went.. Don't ask.)))
Xaver smiled slightly, to himself, at her comment.
He listened to her move into the kitchen, his thoughts, themselves, meandering along a path he hadn't really had time to think about, recently.
Oh, yeah.
Great guy, he was... The good boyfriend-now-fiance who abandons her for three years, and doesn't have a d**n thing to show for it.
Ginny had told him to quit beating himself up about it - but the silence, that was about them now, was proof enough that his lack of excuse so far just wasn't good enough.
Wasn't good for them?..
Xaver didn't remember almost everything that had happened.
As it was turning out, the things he did remember, made him almost grateful for his sudden amnesia.. But was it better?
He tilted his head back against the couch, his eyes moving over the ceiling.
The silence was indefinate.
"Have we changed so much?.." he asked quietly.
Ginny came back, holding a glass of water, leaning against the wall, wtaching him as he though. When he spoke, she thought about what he said, the silence no longer oppressive, simply thoughtful.
"I think...we just don't know how to act..." SHe shrugged, her thoughts soft, out of range, "I think, we just don't know where to pick up."
She shook her head, "Where we left off? Can't exactly do that. We have a child. Where we would be if you had gone missing? Well, we don't know how things would have been, do we?" She sighed, slightly upset at herself, "I don't want to push you into taking Cody and I on as another responsibility."
He slowly looked over at her, his blue eyes dark, and thoughtful. Mellow, despite the quick pace of his thoughts.
"Ginny," he said quietly, "being with you again was a dream I didn't ever know could exist again... But with you and Cody? Our son?"
He was standing, then, where he had sat just a moment before, watching her. Absorbing the way the warm shadows of the flames danced across her features. Noting the highlights of her hair. And eyes. She was perfect, really. Neither more, or less. Perfect to him.
"Such an idea was, not very long ago, beyond my wildest of dreams. I wouldn't have believed until I saw him, or you again, that it was possible..."
He shook his head, turning, and walking to the fire, standing just above the open, heated flames, and resting his elbows on the mantle. He set his chin onto his upper arm, looking over at her again, trying to find sanity in the jumbling of his thoughts.
"No... I suppose we can't try to start from where we left off, can we?"
He smiled, solemnly.
"Things would have been less complicated though, probably... Leave it to me to put that much of a gap to fill in.."
The halfish smile faded, and he let his arms drop, shaking his head.
"Ginny - you speak of yourself as a burden... It would, and never has been, like that. Yes, there would be a responsibility - and I would be adament every moment in trying to keep you both safe, and happy... But never a burden..."
He looked away, into the fire again, the flames dimming in reaction to his sudden emotion.
"I ....can't even remember.. "
Xaver raked a hand through his dark hair..
Ginny watched him, pushing off from the wall and placing her cup on a small table as she walked over to him. She grabbed one of his arms, half forcing him to turn and face her. Both her hands held his wrist, and she leaned close, looking in his eyes, seemingly seeing not his thoughts but his soul.
"I have one request of you if you want to stay with me and Cody," She told him now, her voice soft, but firm.
Xaver's dark, moody blue eyes were less doors, and more windows to his inner creature - and open to her. Open to her, more than to anyone else. Ever. Besides perhaps Cody, though the little boy hadn't exactly practiced soul-searching on his father yet.
He turned, following her will, meeting her gaze with the intensity of his own, and then becoming still.
"That is?"
"You must never, ever break his heart."
Her eyes locked onto his, and she gave his wrist a small shake, "Lying is acceptable at times, yelling is ok when needed. But if you break his heart, Xaver, I won't ever let you forget it."
Her jaw was set in a firm line, "Cody is all I've had for three years. The most important thing in the world. I will not have anyone, even his father, swoop in and hurt him, even if it was unintended."
"You mean, like I broke yours?"
Don't break Cody's heart, like he had once broken Ginny's.
Xaver felt his heart lodge, somewhere between his chest, and his throat.
"..Do you think I will do that?"
An open question - meaning only what he asked...
Ginny paused, he had said what she had thought. She closed her eyes, swallowing, then opened them, "Yes, like you broke mine." She fought hard for control over her voice, and she managed, barley.
"I don't know if you'll do it to him. I didn't know you'd do it before."
His heart gave a powerful, hard jolt.
It was much harder to keep any kind of composure, now, when he felt as if he was suffocating.
He cursed himself.
Hell - who was he to complain? He didn't even remember being gone. She'd endured it.
Like he had broken her heart...
There was no mending that. No way any amount of apologies or time could make up for it.
What had he done?
Everything wrong.
"You are willing to take that chance? With him. With yourself? That I won't hurt you again?"
"I don't know." She shook her head, sadly taking her eyes from his and looking to the floor. She still held his wrist, tightly, not letting go.
"I don't want it to happen again...but I'm not to worried for myself...it's him I worry about." She bit her lip, "I'll live if you leave again...as for him, it would devestate him..."
"I had left, on my own accord, under the impression that I would hopefully be back near immediately. For good. I stayed away and for grounds I'm still not certain... But if the longing that wretches at me every moment I am not at your side accounts for anything, even little - I did not stay away on my own compliance."
Xaver was still, beneath her touch.
"You can tell me to leave, you know," he said softly. "Tell me to go, and I'll let you raise Cody the superior way you have already begun, into the great man he will one day be. You can tell him whatever you think is best, and I'll not come around to say otherwise."
His heart numbed.
"...Tell him I was the man I was born to be, supposed to be. And that I went back to that life... Leave out the part of the father I was trying to be. The lover I longed to be, again."
"I don't want you to leave." She muttered, not looking at him, her gaze fixed on the floor with determination. "I just don't want my baby getting hurt."
"I already hurt my baby. Before I even knew I had another one."
He sighed, softly.
"Don't those two things intermix?..."
Xaver frowned.
"Xences is not dead yet," he said quietly.
((Awes. I can't help but smile at the first line!))
Ginny's eyes raised, meeting his and she flushed, slightly. She took a step closer, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly, "I know Xences is still out there." She pressed her head to his chest, "And I don't know what he'll do know that he knows of Cody..."
She shivered at the thought, "But I wish he was gone, and I wish this wasn't so awkward."
(^_^)
He was going to go into cardiac arrest if he kept this up, for all his living, beating blood-source was stalling and jumpstarting.
Ginny through her arms around him, and Xaver nearly lost his balance, stunned. Though for only a moment, before his arms were in turn wrapping around her figure, holding her close to him, tightly, his face bowing into her hair as hers pressed against his chest. He planted a kiss atop her head, and then straightened, though still holding her, with no intention of ever letting go.
"I will kill him," he said, very quietly. "If he makes a move against either you, or our son - I will kill him."
It was a dark thought, and a dark note - but it was the truth.
Scarily easy as it was, to think about for Xaver.
She nodded, but otherwise didn't move. She closed her eyes, his being there calming her and relaxing her in a way she never understood. She held onto him as though she couldn't stand on her own, and to be honest, she doubted she could at the moment.
"How can we make this akward feeling go away?" She questioned, softly.
Xaver wrapped his arms more snugly around her figure, holding her to him, bowing his head and looking at her, as she questioned him.
We. Us.
"I don't know..." he murmured.
He didn't know what he could do..
What they could do.
"What do you want me to do?.."
Ginny laughed, 'If I knew, I'd have told you already. Loser." She shuckled softly, finding slight humor in the situation.
If she didn't laugh at herself, she'd be dead already.
She gave him a hug and backed up, still facing him, and their arms still around each other, but now there was space between them.
"Besides, it's not only you. I'm part of the problem."
Xaver grinned at her comments, all of them, and relaxed, resting his weight on his heels.
"You are. You are one serious case of trouble... But hey. You make life entertaining, Love."
... Made life worth living.
He winked at her.
"Is that all I'm good for? Entertainment?" Ginny pretended to be shocked and sngry, but she was smiling slightly, shaking her head.
Xaver chuckled softly, and wrapped his arms more tightly about her form, bringing her close again, and planting a warm kiss upon her forehead.
"No. You're good of everything worth anything. ..And yes, entertainment."
He winked.
"Every last bit of it."
He found himself laughing, at both the suggestive teasing ..and at how foreign the sound was, still, to him...
She smiled at him, then stood back, just out of his reach.
"It's getting late, and Cody likes to be up early."
"Early riser.."
Xaver smiled slightly, then shook his head.
"To bed, then?"
Ginny nodded, "I guess so." It was here she paused, not sure where he wanted to sleep. She wouldn't mind one bit if he stayed in her room, but she didn't know what he wanted.
Xaver watched her, catching her pause, his own thoughts running quickly again.
Was she pausing to tell him she'd rather him not follow..?
"May I come with you, Love? I do say, cuddling with you definately beats sleeping on the couch. It gets cold in the living room.."
He smiled slightly, at the irony of it.
As if the cold affected him.
She smiled brightly then, grasping his hand and nodding. "Anything you want." She smiled, leading him to the hall, down to the very last room and pushing open the door. It was impossible to see it, even in the dim candle light that had sparked upon their arrival. A few distinct shadows showed the shapes of a dresser, a bed and common bedroom furnishings.
Xaver warmed at her smile, squeezing her hand when she led him down the hall.
The room was very much Ginny's room, in any way he could have imagined it. Her special touch in decor, but specifically, her homely scent.
She was home.
This was home.
In the fient candle-light, Xaver smiled.
~Next Morning Cause I said so.~
Ginny awoke and softly slipped out of bed, leaving Xaver to lie there. She wasn't sure he was still asleep, nor did it matter. She changed her clothes, pulling on jeans and a longsleeved blue shirt before leaving the bedroom and going to the kitchen. Once there, she set about making food.
At the first smell of food, Cody stepped into the kitchen, still in his pajamas. He shuffled to a chair, mumbling a good morning as he pulled himself up. He watched Ginny for a long moment then, "Momma, will you teach me to fly like Daddy?"
Ginny smiled slightly, "Can't, angel. I don't know how."
Cody instantly scowled darkly, "You know everything, Momma."
"No, I'm afraid not baby." Ginny shook her head, "I know very little."
"You just don't want me to leave like Daddy did." Cody shot back, angrily, "You're scared I won't come back."
Ginny closed her eyes, turning and taking a deep breath. Yes, she was scared of that, but that didn't change the fact that she couldn't teach him what he wanted to know. She opened her mouth, but didn't get the chance to say anything.
"You just want me to be a baby forever, Momma! I hate you." Cody said, starting to cry. He was a spoiled kid, used to getting everything he wanted and not having to share it. It wasn't all Ginny's fault, her parents had the habit of never arguing with him, and giving him toys he wouldn't play with ever again. So when he didn't get what he wanted, he did what all three year olds do.
He threw a tantrum.
The words stung Ginny in a way that Cody wouldn't understand until he had children of his own. Her own eyes began to tear up, and she bit her lip, as Cody continued saying that he hated her.
"Go."
Cody stopped his yelling, suddenly scared at her lack of yelling and emotion, "Why?" he whined.
"Go, get out. I don't care if you got to your room or not. Just get out of the kitchen. Now." Ginny's voice was soft, trying to conceal the sadness. She began to cry and Cody, scared simply watched her. Ginny tried to convince herself that this was nothing to cry over.
He was asleep.
Oddly enough, he had slept well during the night, curled up with Ginny. Free of nightmares, and free momentarily from torment, he'd slept pleasantly.
He stirred, a few moments after she had risen from beside him, squeezing his eyes shut against the strong morning light, then finally sighing when he heard the bedroom door open, and close, as she slipped out.
Xaver took his time waking up, rolling over, and out of bed, slipping into yesterday's jeans, and a fresh shirt, and smelling of the shower he'd taken before bed last night. Running a hand through his thick, onyx-colored hair, he padded, barefoot, to the door, and opened it, moving naturally soundlessly down the hallway..
'I hate you,' being the first words he heard.
"What's this?"
Xaver frowned, his arms dropping to his sides, as he rounded the corner.
The scene was upsetting.
Cody, frowning, whining a 'why'... And Ginny. Crying.
Xaver's heart lurched.
"To the living room, Cody. Now."
Cody jumped when Xaver spoke, and he looked at his father for a moment, then to Ginny, then to Xaver. He went to speak, then thought better of it. He stood, inching pas Xaver through the doorway and into the living room.
Ginny stood still, her hands pressed to her face as Cody moved from the room. She said nothing, making almost no noise.
Xaver watched Cody leave, his features set, his gaze following a little ways as he went toward the living room, before he looked to Ginny.
He went to her, slowly, tender concern and wonder written fiercely over his face. Xaver stopped, before her, his fingertips grazing her elbows.
-Love?-
Ginny wiped at her eyes, not looking at him.
-I'm sorry. This is stupid to cry over. He's only a child throwing a tantrum.- She didn't trust herself to speak aloud.
Cody peeked around the cornor, not hearing any words. He wondered briefly how much trouble he was in.
-Don't you be sorry..-
Xaver didn't seem to notice Cody - and, if he did, he paid no heed.
Instead, he drew closer to Ginny, running the fingertips of one hand over her shoulder, the fingers of his other hand curling, hooking beneath her chin, and gently lifting, willing her to look at him, even as he planted kisses over her eyes, and cheeks, and nose. Brushing away the tears.
-Crying is never stupid. You are allowed, you know..-
He tried a gentle smile, trying to reassure her.
Wanting to hold her.
Not sure what he could, or should, do..
-But I shouldn't. Not in front of him.- Ginny frowned, angry at herself. She had always been strong in front of Cody, never giving into weakness if he could see her. She didn't want him getting scared or anything. She had always waited until she was alone to cry.
-I'm horrible at this parenting thing.- She thought, miserably. She knew it wasn't true, but that was how she felt at the moment.
-And why not?-
Xaver looked at her, a little curiously.
-Why is it so wrong to show weakness before him?.. He needs to know that it's natural. Weakness is OK. You don't have to be all powerful - you know that, right?-
His gaze softened, but his frown deepened.
-And you are not horrible. You and horrible parenting is an oxymoron.-
-I'm his mom. He has to know he's safe. How much protection can I be if I'm crying over meaningless things?- Ginny didn't look at him, adverting her eyes as much as she could.
Cody watched his parents from the doorway, suddenly feeling slightly guilty. His mom looked devestated. He wasn't able to red Xaver yet, but he had the feeling he wasn't too happy either.
Xaver dropped his hand from her chin, and gently wrapped his arms around her, cradling her against him like she was delicate - as if he were afraid she'd break if he held her tighter.
-Love, he knows you are strong. You're no stone - you're alive. Alive enough to feel - and to hurt. And that's OK..-
He murmured to her softly, one arm remaining around her, the thumb of his other hand brushing away stray tears.
Xaver turned his head then, his eyes finding immediately, Cody's.
His facial expression never changed from that concerned tone, even as his hand dropped from her face, and he offered it to him.
Cody froze as Xaver saw him, unsure of what to do. He eyed Xaver's hand with suspicion, unsure if this was a trick or not. He didn't want to get into more trouble, and he deffinetly didn';t want to make his mom cry again.
Ginny put her head on his shoulder, not seeing Cody. She wasn't angry at him, not even for him saying that he hated her. But hearing those words come from his mouth, that sweet voice, it had hurt her deeply.
When she put her head on his shoulder, Xaver brought her close to him, and held her, though still very gently, grazing his fingertips over her back.
He looked at Cody curiously, but did not drop his hand, his offer, even when the boy didn't come.
-You think I would trick you...?-
"I dunno..." Cody mummbled, feeling bad about that thought. He walked slowly into the room, not looking at Ginny.
Ginny closed her eyes, hearing Cody's voice and footsteps.
Xaver looked at him. Curiously, at first, before his face, and hand, fell, his expression remaining remote.
-And why is that?-
"Because some people are like that." Cody looked up, half scared, half defiant. "Some people will pretend to be your friend." He didn't have any experiance in the area, but he had watched it happen before.
"Some people, yes. There is no denying that."
Xaver frowned.
"But why do you think I would do that?"
Cody stopped walking only a foot or so away. He looked up at Xaver, trying hard to keep his small face impassive. He couldn't help but look anxious as his eyes passed over Ginny.
"I don't know you," Cody said, with a slight shrug.
Ginny didn't say anything for a moment, then mumbled into Xaver's shirt, "Cody, you have nothing to fear. Your father would never trick you."
"That's true, isn't it?..."
Xaver ran his hand up and down Ginny's back, for a moment, before twirling his fingers in the lower strands of her hair, thoughtful.
"I have given you advice and loved you - but what have I really shown you of myself, besides a little strength, here and there?"
He looked at him.
"I will not trick you. ..What would you like to know?"
Cody opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, "How old are you?" He had heard from his mom that Xaver was very old by their time standerds, but he looked about the same age as her.
Ginny stepped back from Xaver, ducking out of his arms and going back to the breakfast, which was now burned black. Without saying anything, she carried the black food to a garbage can and dumped it.
Xaver eyed Ginny, as she stepped away from him both thoughtful, and almost longing, before he looked back to Cody, and nodded, more to himself. He leaned against the counter, trying to produce an air of casual.. but, Xaver just wasn't a very good liar around those he cared about. And that was putting it lightly.
"I am in body twenty-one human years old."
He looked at him.
Most people never asked Xaver questions about himself.
"I am four-thousand fifteen in my years. Three of mine equal one of yours. By the seasons."
Cody furrowed his brow, thinking. He decided to just accept it and ask his next question, "What was your parents names?" He turned his head to the side. These were tester questions to him.
Ginny watched them, her face expressionless. The two most important people in the world.
Xaver almost smiled at his son's expression.
If you thought about it - no, it didn't make sense.
So most never thought about it much.
He was slightly taken aback by Cody's next question.
Nobody.
Not even Ginny - had asked him that.
"My father's name was Darxev. ..My mother's was Melodiey.."
Xaver smiled, very slightly, to himself. Enjoying a personal memory that even he, could barely understand.
"My mother was very melodious, too. From what I remember of her.."
Cody paused, imagining the grandparents he never knew, "What were they like?"
Ginny looked at Xaver now, remembering a comment he had once made about his father.
Xaver was thoughtful for a moment looking as he truly was - remembering those select memories for the first time, in a long while.
"My mother, before she became ill... She was brilliant. And gorgeous, too, just like your mom. She didn't know it, either. Our kingdom made it through many a very tough years because of her kindness, and care.. She never took much to the lifestyle she'd married into - and that, I think, is how people related to her. And it was how I was raised. She was very strong-willed in equality, even though she'd never really been of commonplace, herself. Equality, and to whatever justice she could convince.. She wasn't perfect, or anything, but she was Mom. And she was the only semblance of home I ever knew, until Hogwarts. And then until here. Until our home. ...Now that I think about it, Kylie was like her mirror image, despite the black hair.."
Xaver glanced at Ginny, seeing she was watching him, too.
He never really spoke about himself. Not too much.
And he felt awkward - but comfortable, as only he could be with them.
His family.
"My father was the opposite."
His tones hardened slightly, and he looked away from both of them for a moment.
"I to this day do not understand how a sort of... floaty person that mother was, could have married him. I remember little of him besides that scowl..."
Speaking ill of Lord Darxev seemed to be even more odd to Xaver.
"He was very intelligent. Clever. Powerful. Though he preferred to use his brute force, instead of anything else. There was no such thing as gentility with him, and Kylie often saw the end of that side, despite ..my efforts.."
He shook that away.
"He married my Mum, though - so he had something in him... All I know, is - I never want to look that tired."
Cody nodded, already knowing of Kylie. Ginny had told him a story once about his passed aunt, describing her as a beautiful little princess who loved candy. He smiled at Xaver, "What was your home like?"
All these questions.
Xaver found he liked it, that Cody was interested.
But, he wasn't sure into how much detail he should go..
"My home? How do you mean?"
"When you were little, where you lived. Was it nice? Was it cold? Was it pretty?" Cody fired the questions off quickly, bouncing a little.
Ginny smiled a little, watching his enthusiam.
"Cold, most of the time. ..I don't think it's in our nature to be too fond of the heat, anyway. And yes.. The countryside, and there was, and still is, a vast majority of it, is beautiful.."
Xaver thought for a moment.
"Think.. Of a circle. That's the way the town is generally shaped. The enormous ...what do you call it here? K.. Castle, I think? Not really the word, but... The general idea. That thing.. Where the King, and Queen, and us of that descent made home - though, really, I can't recall a true full week that I spent within the confines of those walls. It was never a home. Now, it is used for all public things. The bed quarters in the upper stories are still personal and closed off, but all the enormous ballrooms, and things of the sort have been renovated into court-rooms, storage-rooms, meeting halls, and so on... What was a village is now very much a city. Tall, and angular.. Most every building is built of of a soft white stone - it's abundant, there - and the tone is rather softening to the history, I suppose..."
Off on a bit of a tangent, Xaver smiled, finally, and stopped.
"What I remember most, though.. Is the trees. In the forest, past a few miles of meadow... There, are the tallest trees I have ever seen. Quite good for kids' games, when we could get away."
Xaver shrugged.
Cody gapped at Xaver, enjoying the description. Finally, he grinned, and instead of asking another question he said, "I'm hungry!"
Ginny smirked at Xaver, "If there is no other way to tell, that shows me he is truly your son."
Xaver chuckled, and grinned slightly.
"You remember, than, humm, Love?"
((I have to go soon. School tomarrow.))
"Remember that you eat constantly? Of course." She smirked again, then frowned, "But..uh, there's a problem. I kinda burned our food..."
Cody turned and gave her a look, "Awe, Momma.." He said.
(Me too. Or I will be dead. O_O A post or so more, and I've gotta scadaddle :P)
"Cereal?" he offered.
Anything was better than no food.
Xaver patted his stomach, and couldn't hide another grin.
It was truly a wonder he wasn't round as the kitchen.
"I suppose. I'm not really hungry, so you and Cody can have it." Ginny went to a cupboard, getting out a few boes and going to get milk.
Cody grinned at Xaver as he went back to the table, sitting down.
(I feel like I'm gonna throw up. I'm getting off. ttfn.)
Xaver leaned over the table, when he reached it, his smile slowly falling away.
-You do need to apologize to your Mum, Cody. Your words really hurt her, you know.-
He looked at him.
-I don't ever want to hear you say you hate her, again. I don't like it. At all.-
(kay. Feel better! =) )
Cody leaned forward too, or at least as much as he could. He frowned at Xaver sullenly, "I don't wanna...what if she cries again? I don't wanna make her cry again...," he whispered, very quietly.