Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Persephone had a feeling that Lily was somehow communicating withe the wolf pack and that's how she was so protected by them, but to hear her confirm it was shocking. She was so young, and now they not only had to worry about a toddler, but a toddler with powers.

Alek: "I thought you said Ava was older when she got hers?"

"She was."

Persephone whispered back. Alek looked terrified at the thought of Lily having abilities at such a young age. Talking to animals was something easy enough to control. They would have to make sure Lily understood not to wander outside without them, go seeking out animals without them, and not telling anyone about her power. But if she started developing abilities beyond that? It was going to become....complicated. Something Persephone wasn't sure either of them could handle.

Alek: "Why don't I go out and get that stuff at the store, and you two stay here and have some girl time?"

Looking up with furrowed brows.

"Are you sure?"

She didn't want Alek to think he had to leave. But even worse, Persephone was nervous that he was leaving because of what Lily just revealed about herself. But when he nodded and confirmed that he was sure, Persephone didn't fight him on it. They still needed to baby proof despite the talk they had with Lily. So after Alek left for the store, Persephone spent time with Lily talking to her about what she heard in her head. Sitting on the couch, Lily was curled up in Persephone's arms laying with her head on Persephone's chest.

"Could you hear the big puppies?"

Lily: "I hearded the big biiiig puppy. He said I had to stay with him."

"But you didn't hear any of the other puppies?"

Lily shook her head no.

"Did you talk a lot with them?"

Lily shook her head no again.

Lily: "Big puppy tolded me to sit because of boo boo. Then he roared in the sky. Then you and daddy showeded up."

So her powers were developing but they weren't completely developed yet. It seemed she could only hear certain animals at certain times, not all the time. This was good. It meant Persephone could teach her as they developed stronger. And this gave her hope that maybe her other abilities--if she had more--wouldn't develop right away either.

"Sounds like you had quite the adventure."

Gently stroking her hand down Lily's head, Persephone could feel her little body relaxed and knew she was going to pass out soon.

Lily: "Yeah...I...like..puppies..."

Her voice was soft and her words broken up by a yawn. Persephone continued to stroke Lily's head until finally Lily fell asleep in her arms. Persephone kept her arms wrapped around her tightly as she laid down on the couch as well, shutting her own eyes. The whole day had been taxing and she was already exhausted to begin with. So as her fingers gently played with Lily's curls, Persephone too found herself falling asleep right along with Lily.

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

Seph asked him if he was sure, when he offered to go get the things they would need at the store. It wasn't a short drive, but he thought Seph needed some mother-daughter time with Lily. Especially if Lily was now suddenly able to talk to animals.

The drive also gave him time to think. And decompress. He didn't want to fall apart in front of Seph, knowing how much what happened had affected her. But the truth was, being faced with losing Lily scared him shitless. He had been cavalier, taking for granted that she was a good child, who did what she was told. But any number of things could have happened while he wasn't watching.

He wiped away the tears that were springing to his eyes.

He finally reached the store and bought the items they needed, then it was back in the car for the long drive home. He brought the bags into the cabin, leaving them near the front door, going first to check on Lily. He saw her curled up against Seph, both girls asleep on the couch. He had a flash of anger that Seph had fallen asleep when he was gone - what if Lily had woken and gone outside again? Or gotten into trouble inside? But it passed almost as soon as it was thought, and Alek felt terrible for even thinking it.

They so looked peaceful, sleeping there. He got the afghan and covered both of them, before retrieving one of the bags and heading upstairs to install a gate on the stairway.

 

[Persephone]

She wasn't sure how long she had been asleep, but when she opened her eyes Lily was still snuggled against her and they both now had a blanket over top of them both. Persephone lifted her eyes to see Alek by the back door installing some motion alarms as well as locks on the top of the doors. He had been hard at work, Persephone noting the baby gate at the top of the hallway, as well as the bottom of the stairs. Slowly sitting up, she brought Lily with her, still holding her against her chest. Looking over at Alek, she gave him a small smile before standing with Lily in her arms. She was still knocked out and probably would be for a little while longer.

"I'm going to take her upstairs."

Persephone's voice soft as she ascended the stairs and disappeared into Lily's room. Turning on the video monitor, Persephone placed Lily in her big girl bed and pulled the covers over her, gently tucking her in. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, she brushed her hand down her cheek gently, looking down at her with such love in her eyes.

"I love you my little flower..."

Cracking the bedroom door shut, Persephone headed back downstairs. Racking her fingers back through her hair, she walked up next to Alek as he screwed in the last alarm for the door. Running her hand up his forearm, she lowered his hand and made him face her.

"Hey..."

Her voice soft and gentle. She brushed back the fallen hair from his pony tail and looked up at him. She knew he was taking this just as hard as she was, and they hadn't had any time to process it together. But with Lily still napping, she could finally just be with Alek and not put up the 'mom' facade. Pulling him into a tight hug, Persephone melted into his arms and shut her eyes.

"Thank you for being so level headed out there. I wouldn't have been able to think straight if it wasn't for you."

She gently traced her fingers along his back, still holding him tightly. He had been her rock when she needed it most. But now, she was going to be his. Pulling back enough to look into his eyes, Persephone could see he wasn't okay. Her hand gently held his face.

"It'll be okay, baby....We'll be okay. We'll figure this out.."

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

He put up the baby gates, and then moved on to the alarms for the door that would go off if they were opened. There were also bolts for the door that were high above where Lily could easily reach. He was finished the back door when he sensed moved and turned his head to see Seph sitting up. She stood with Lily in her arms, and he gave her a small smile.

"I'm going to take her upstairs."

He nodded, and went back to his work. A couple of minutes later her felt Seph's hand on his arm, turning him towards her.

"Hey..."

She pulled him into a hug, and put his arms around her, closing his eyes.

"Thank you for being so level headed out there. I wouldn't have been able to think straight if it wasn't for you."

"I'm sorry...I was supposed to be taking her outside...I should have known after this morning that I needed to watch her...and then I couldn't find her. Some tracker I was."

She pulled back and looked at him, and he returned her gaze with sad eyes.

"It'll be okay, baby....We'll be okay. We'll figure this out.."

"What if she accidentally transports herself half way across the world, Seph, and can't get back? And we don't know where she is?"

He hugged her tight to his chest again.

"What if she tells the kids at school she can talk to animals and they make fun of her?"

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I'm sorry...I was supposed to be taking her outside...I should have known after this morning that I needed to watch her..."

Persephone shook her head firmly, taking his face with both of her hand. She looked up at him with conviction, wanting him to listen and understand what she was about to say. Because she didn't blame him at all.

"No, this isn't your fault. She's a curious little girl, Alek. She wants to explore and play and have fun, especially here because she loves it so much."

Alek: "...and then I couldn't find her. Some tracker I was."

"Stop...don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault, baby. None of it."

She hugged him again and she clutched him tightly, gripping at his shirt. She held him for a moment before pulling herself back enough to look into his eyes.

"It'll be okay, baby....We'll be okay. We'll figure this out.."

Alek: "What if she accidentally transports herself half way across the world, Seph, and can't get back? And we don't know where she is?"

Alek pulled her back to him and she rested her head against his chest. That same scenario played out in Persephone's head and it terrified her. The thought of Lily not understanding her abilities and suddenly disappearing was something Persephone couldn't bare to think about, but she knew she had to. She knew they had to stop that situation for happening before it presented itself.

Alek: "What if she tells the kids at school she can talk to animals and they make fun of her?"

He was so worried for Lily, it broke Persephone's heart. Pulling back from him again, she took his hand.

"Come here..."

Walking with him over to the couch, she made him sit down with her. Turning herself to face him, Persephone held both of his hands within hers.

"I was talking with Lily when you left and from what I can gather, her powers are only starting to develop. She couldn't always hear the wolves, and she could only hear two of them. That's good. That means I can help her hone her abilities and teach her as she grows. And it also means she won't be disappearing to the other side of the world anytime soon."

Persephone gave him a small smile of reassurance.

"We got a wake up call today, BIG time. Our little girl is growing fast. And her powers are going to be developing way faster than even I anticipated. But now that we know? We can help her. We an teach her that she's not allowed to use her powers without us present. We can teach her that she can't tell 'normal' people what she is and what she can do."

Persephone scooted herself closer to Alek, her hands tightening around his.

"We will teach her the harsh realities of life early....it sucks because she's so innocent....but that's what we're going to have to sacrifice in order to keep her safe from people who want hurt her. We'll help her, Alek. We'll teach her...we'll give her all the knowledge she needs to stay safe with us and to not have an incident like this happen again. Okay?"

Persephone leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss.

"We got this."

Kissing him again, the more she spoke the more she was convincing herself as well that they were able to do this. That it didn't seem as hard or far fetched as she thought it would be. To get to train their little girl at such a young age? By the time she was a teenager she would be powerful beyond her years. But most of all, she would be safe.

"So....daily ABC's and 123's will be paired with tracking and ability lessons."

She let out a little laugh at how crazy that sounded. She caressed his cheek with a positive smile.

"It'll be fun."

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

"No, this isn't your fault. She's a curious little girl, Alek. She wants to explore and play and have fun, especially here because she loves it so much."

"It's my job to keep her safe-"

He should have been able to find her.

"Stop...don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault, baby. None of it."

Seph hugged him, and he held her tightly back. He wanted to let her comfort him so badly. But he knew he had let his family down. When she finally pulled away she looked him in the eyes and told him everything would be okay. But he couldn't see how it could be - with a two year old who any day could be transporting herself around the world. Seph rested her head against his chest and he stroked her hair. After a bit she led him over to the couch and they sat together.

"I was talking with Lily when you left and from what I can gather, her powers are only starting to develop. She couldn't always hear the wolves, and she could only hear two of them. That's good. That means I can help her hone her abilities and teach her as she grows. And it also means she won't be disappearing to the other side of the world anytime soon."

Seph was trying to reassure him, but he couldn't help but be skeptical: they didn't know anything for sure. There was just so much that could go wrong.

"We got a wake up call today, BIG time. Our little girl is growing fast. And her powers are going to be developing way faster than even I anticipated. But now that we know? We can help her. We an teach her that she's not allowed to use her powers without us present. We can teach her that she can't tell 'normal' people what she is and what she can do."

"So we have to teach her to hide, to be ashamed..."

That was what he had been afraid of from the beginning.

"We will teach her the harsh realities of life early....it sucks because she's so innocent....but that's what we're going to have to sacrifice in order to keep her safe from people who want hurt her. We'll help her, Alek. We'll teach her...we'll give her all the knowledge she needs to stay safe with us and to not have an incident like this happen again. Okay?"

He nodded.

"I can't help but think maybe we should keep her here, wth us, away from everything and everyone...so she could be herself..."

He knew they couldn't do that. She had to be around other children, go to school. But it was tempting to shield her from everything she'd have to face.

"So....daily ABC's and 123's will be paired with tracking and ability lessons."

"I'm not sure I'll be much help with the abilities..."

For some reason he was almost convinced she would never inherit any powers from him. Lily was half goddess...and he felt like that overruled his paltry strength. She would have strength of her own, from Seph. He didn't want it to, but it made him feel like an outsider, knowing that Lily and Seph would share something he wouldn't, that he could never understand.

He looked over the video monitor at a sleeping Lily.

"The two of you are my world: I don't want anything to hurt either of you."

He took her hand.

"Are you okay?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone tried to reassure Alek that even though Lily was developing her abilities, they would be there to teach and help her through everything. To make sure they were always present when she used them and not to use them in public or at school.

Alek: "So we have to teach her to hide, to be ashamed..."

Persephone shook her head.

"No, we have to teach her to be smart. Alek, we live in a world where people still hate or don't understand anything that doesn't fit into the category of 'mortal'. She may have to hide a part of herself while she's young....but that doesn't mean she will EVER be ashamed of who she is or where she came from. We'll make sure of it. We just...we have to be safe. We're still targets, Alek. We can't bring any unnecessary attention to ourselves....otherwise Lily will be in even more danger."

Persephone wanted nothing more than for Lily to grow up expressing herself and using her abilities freely. But they were still targets to Hellfire, and they were still living in a world not fully accepting of the people with abilities. They couldn't risk it, not while she was this young. She never wanted Lily to be ashamed of who she was, but she needed to be aware and smart about it. That was where her and Alek would come in. Persephone saw what could happen to the world when mortals feared mutants so much it turned to genocide.....she lived through the torture of it for months when she was trapped in the alternate timeline with Alison. She would NOT let that happen to her daughter.

Alek: "I can't help but think maybe we should keep her here, wth us, away from everything and everyone...so she could be herself..."

Persephone sighed.

"I wish we could...."

But it wouldn't be fair to Lily. She deserved to have friends and sleepovers and birthday parties. She deserved to experience everything a normal kid experienced. For now they got that luxury of selfishly keeping her with them. They were the teachers at the moment, and she jokingly told Alek that now they would not only teach her normal tasks like counting and her ABC's, but tracking and how to use her abilities.

Alek: "I'm not sure I'll be much help with the abilities..."

Persephone tilted her head a bit to the side, giving Alek a reassuring smile.

"I don't know about that. She's more like you than you realize, Alek."

Lily was so much like her father. She had an appetite like Alek. Slept like Alek. Roared like Alek. She was his mini me in every sense of the word. And judging from the tumble she took during her adventure with the wolves, she was built like him too--durable and strong. Persephone really hoped Alek could see that and know that Lily was so much like him.

Alek looked over at the monitor, and she could still see he was struggling with the entire situation. It was hard for Persephone to see him like this. To see this man who was so fearless be filled with so much fear. It made her feel helpless, like nothing she could say would help him.

Alek: "The two of you are my world: I don't want anything to hurt either of you."

He took her hand and she placed hers on top of his, squeezing it.

"And you're ours."

And he was. Persephone's world would shatter if anything happened to Alek and Lily. The thought of it made her sick....and it brought her right back to the place she felt when she first realized Lily had disappeared. Persephone looked down at their hands, shutting her eyes for a moment, wanting to forget that memory like a bad dream.

Alek: "Are you okay?"

She gently nodded.

"I'm getting there..."

She lifted her eyes to his.

"I just keep trying to forget about it....and be thankful she's safely sleeping upstairs..."

But it was hard. She had been distracted well enough trying to support Alek, but as soon as the tables were turned and she had to think about herself? The overwhelming terror of what happened enveloped Persephone. Moving closer to Alek, she sat back with him on the couch, tucking her legs up as she snuggled herself against him, resting her head in the crook of his neck. She kept their hands together, moving her fingers so they were interlinked with his. Just being held by him made her feel so much better.

"This helps."

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

Alek was down, the idea that Lily would would have to hide herself killing him. He wanted Lily to be proud of what she could do, to know how amazing she was - with or without powers. He didn't want her to ever feel ashamed, or weird.

"No, we have to teach her to be smart. Alek, we live in a world where people still hate or don't understand anything that doesn't fit into the category of 'mortal'. She may have to hide a part of herself while she's young....but that doesn't mean she will EVER be ashamed of who she is or where she came from. We'll make sure of it. We just...we have to be safe. We're still targets, Alek. We can't bring any unnecessary attention to ourselves....otherwise Lily will be in even more danger."

"I know."

He sighed.

"But I hate it."

Seph said they would have to include ability training with the other things parents normally taught a toddler. He told Seph she'd be the one doing the ability part, that he wouldn't be much help with that.

"I don't know about that. She's more like you than you realize, Alek."

He brightened at that, giving her a little smile, telling her how they were his world, how he never wanted them to be hurt. Seph put her hand on top of his. He had neglected to see how she was dealing with all of this, so he asked her if she was okay.

"I'm getting there...I just keep trying to forget about it....and be thankful she's safely sleeping upstairs..."

"Tomorrow I'll go out and check for hunter traps again, make sure no one's been out here since we've been gone."

It was the only thing he could think of to do to thank the pack for protecting Lily.

Seph drew her legs up onto the couch and snuggled against him, and he put his arm around her, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

"This helps."

"I don't know what I would do without you, Seph."

He kissed the top of her head.

"I can't imagine going through life alone."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Tomorrow I'll go out and check for hunter traps again, make sure no one's been out here since we've been gone."

Persephone smiled at that as she sat back against Alek, resting her head against him.

"Thank you."

Gently rubbing her hand absentmindedly along his stomach, she tilted her head back to look up at him.

"Maybe you can take Lily? Start to show her the ropes out there? I'm sure she would love it."

The thought of Lily and Alek together tracking and hunting down traps kept the smile on Persephone's face. As much as she was still reeling from what had happened, being with Alek and just talking about and working through it really helped. And she told him as much.

Alek: "I don't know what I would do without you, Seph. I can't imagine going through life alone."

She felt him kiss the top of her head before adjusting herself enough to lean up and meet her lips with his.

"You won't have to find out, baby. I promise."

She kissed him again, long and slow allowing herself to get lost in it and momentarily forgetting what had happened that morning.

The day thereafter went normally, Lily waking up and being her bouncy, happy, giggly self. She played outside with both of them, Persephone asking her questions about if she could hear any animals while they played. Lily said no, but didn't seemed bothered or discouraged by it. She wanted to make sure they all kept an open line of communicate so Lily never felt afraid of nervous when her abilities did decide to work. They all had lunch together, played some more, watched a movie, then it was time for dinner. Persephone made something a little different than usual, deciding to have a fun dinner to celebrate the day. Grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a different assortment of potato chips. She even went as far as to making it a little picnic in front of the fireplace where they all sat together on the floor.

Walking over to the blanket with a big plate of grilled pb&j, she smiled.

"Who's hungry?!"

Lily raised her hand happily as Persephone sat down next to her and Alek with a smile.

Lily: "Me! Me! Me!"

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

Lily woke up from her nap as if nothing had happened. Alek was concerned she might get scared after the fact, or when they took her outside again, but she was just as excited to be outside as she had been the day before. It felt like a mini vacation, the three of them spending all afternoon together. And then Seph surprised them with an indoor picnic in front of the fireplace, complete with PB&J.

"Who's hungry?!"

Lily: "Me! Me! Me!"

"Me! Me! Me!"

He echoed Lily's excitement, taking a sandwich from the tray Seph offered.

"My favorite."

He handed Lily a sippy cup of milk, and took a drink from his own glass of milk.

"I think Mommy makes even better peanut butter & jelly than Daddy does."

He smiled at Seph. She had been doing a lot of the cooking lately, especially since they arrived back at the cabin, and he wanted her to know her efforts were appreciated. He munched on a potato chip.

"What should we do after dinner?"

 

[Persephone]

The sun was already down over the horizon, the winter nights long and cold in Sweden. Inside the living room they made a picnic area right next to the roaring fireplace, complete with blanket and a big bowl of potato chips for sharing and individual plates for their food. Persephone made her way over carrying a tray of grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

"Who's hungry?"

Alek & Lily: "Me! Me! Me!"

"Wow, like father like daughter."

Laughing at how adorable they both were shouting out in unison, Persephone placed down two halves of a sandwich on Lily's plate and a two whole sandwiches on Alek's. She then took a seat taking a sandwich for herself. Alek handed Lily her sippy cup of milk as she happily began to munch on a sandwich half.

Alek: "My favorite."

Lily: "Yuuuuummmmy!"

Lily agreed with her mouth full. Persephone chuckled before taking a bite of her own sandwich, the peanut butter melted and delicious.

Alek: "I think Mommy makes even better peanut butter & jelly than Daddy does."

Persephone nudging Alek playfully, smiling back at him.

"I learned from the master."

Eating a few potato chips, Persephone watched as Lily finished devouring half of her sandwich. She was downing some milk before picking up her other half. But as she opened her mouth to take a bite, the bite turned into a big yawn.

Alek: "What should we do after dinner?"

Lily: "Bear play!"

Lily exclaimed after her yawn and before taking another bite of her sandwich. Lily loved to jump and climb on Alek like a jungle gym, 'wrestling' with him playfully. She liked to call it bear play because they both growled like bears, which usually turned into Lily giggling uncontrollably. Bear play usually wore Lily out completely and Persephone could already see she was getting tired.

"I've got an idea. Why don't we save bear play until tomorrow and have a slumber party tonight?"

Persephone suggested with a positive tone, knowing Lily would most likely get upset. And sure enough, her little brows furrowed. But instead of being sad about not doing bear play, she swallowed her bite of food and looked inquisitively at Persephone.

Lily: "What's that?"

"We all get in our pajamas, go upstairs to mama and daddy's room, get aaaallll cuddled up under the blankets, and watch a movie. We even bring this big bowl of chips up with us and eat in bed."

Lily's eyes were wide.

Lily: "I sleep in mama and daddy's bed?!"

"Uh huh!"

Lily: "And 'tato chips?!"

Persephone laughed while looking over at Alek, loving how excited Lily was at the thought of eating potato chips in their bed and sleeping with them. After the day they had, it seemed like the perfect way to end it: all three of them cuddled and safe together.

"Yep!"

Lily jumped up, disregarding the few bites of her sandwich she had left, and leaped into Alek's arms, hugging him while bouncing. Persephone's smile was big, her heart so full seeing them together.

Lily: "Yeah! Yeah! Can we, daddy!? Can we!?"

Persephone began to nudge Alek's shoulder again and again, her turn now to echo Lily.

"Yeah, can we?!"

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

Seph asked who was hungry, and both he and Lily shouted Me! making Seph laugh.

"Wow, like father like daughter."

He beamed over at Lily, and reached out to playfully tweak her nose. The little family munched their peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and potato chips in front of the fire. He casually asked what they were going to do after dinner, curious as to what Lily would say.

Lily: "Bear play!"

He grinned - definitely a better choice than "princess tea party". Though he looked amazing with ribbons in his hair.

"I've got an idea. Why don't we save bear play until tomorrow and have a slumber party tonight?"

Lily looked confused, and Alek wasn't sure what she was getting at either.

"We all get in our pajamas, go upstairs to mama and daddy's room, get aaaallll cuddled up under the blankets, and watch a movie. We even bring this big bowl of chips up with us and eat in bed."

Normally that would have been a cock block of the highest order, but tonight it was just what he needed. He smiled warmly at Seph - she was a great mom, and she had the best ideas.

Lily: "I sleep in mama and daddy's bed?!"

He laughed with Seph as she told Lily yes. Lily jumped into his arms, surprising him and making him laugh more.

Lily: "Yeah! Yeah! Can we, daddy!? Can we!?"

"I think someone got their second wind!"

Seph nudged him and echoed Lily's question.

"Do you think we'll all fit?"

He hugged her and swung her around before nodding. The he pointed at her plate.

"I think you better finish your sandwich first, though."

He set her down, picking up the remains of his own sandwich.

"Are you going to sleep on Mommy's side of the bed or Daddy's?"

Once they were all finished eating, they took their plates to the kitchen and all went upstairs together. Alek carefully closed the baby gate behind them and locked it. Seph took Lily in to the nursery to change into her pjs, and Alek built a fire in the fireplace in the master bedroom, then slipped into the bathroom to put on his own flannel pajama bottoms and a tee shirt. Luckily he had them, because normally he slept in his shorts or nothing at all.

When Seph brought Lily in he picked her up and zoomed her onto the bed, setting down the bowl of potato chips in front of her. Once Seph had changed he asked,

"So, what movie are we watching at this slumber party?"

 

[Persephone]

Lily was so excited at the thought of sleeping in Persephone's and Alek's bed that she excitedly jumped up into Alek's arms, hugging him and begging him to say yes. Both she and Alek laughed.

Alek: "I think someone got their second wind!"

"I think so!"

She added, her smile big at how happy Lily was.

Alek: "Do you think we'll all fit?"

Lily: "Yeah! Yeah! I''m little, daddy!"

Lily giggled as Alek swung her in the air before gently placing her back down by her plate.

Alek: "I think you better finish your sandwich first, though."

Lily nodded quickly, picking up what was left of her sandwich and taking a bite. Persephone watched them both, beaming with love. She could literally watch them interact all day. Lily adored Alek, and Alek absolutely lit up anytime he laid his eyes on her. The bond between them was incredible.

Alek: "Are you going to sleep on Mommy's side of the bed or Daddy's?"

Lily was sucking the milk out of her sippy cup when her big blue eyes looked from Alek to Persephone. She lowered the cup, gulping with a nod.

Lily: "I sleep middle."

She said matter of factly. Persephone let out a light laugh.

"Good idea. [waving Lily over] Come on! Lets help clean up and go get in our pj's."

Lily: "Yay!"

They all began to clean up the picnic and soon headed upstairs. Alek went into the bedroom to get everything situated while Persephone took Lily into her nursery to change her. Lily decided on some My Little Pony footsie pajamas and grabbed her favorite teddy bear and blankie from her bed. Carrying Lily into the room, Alek was already dressed in some flannel pajama bottoms and a shirt. Lifting a single eyebrow up at him, she smirked. That was the most he'd ever worn to bed since they've known each other. Zooming Lily over her head, she let her fly onto the bed next to Alek, Lily laughing as she quickly snuggled under the covers. Setting the bowl of chips between them, Persephone then went into the closet and changed into an oversized long sleeved sleep shirt and some sleep shorts.

Alek: "So, what movie are we watching at this slumber party?"

Lily held potato chips in both hands, lifting them up above her head excitedly.

Lily: "Nemo! Nemo!"

Grabbing the remote control to the tv, Persephone turned it on with a smile before climbing into bed.

"Good choice!"

Lily: "I like the turtles."

She said with a little giggle while crunching on the potato chips. Going to their playlist, Persephone put on Finding Nemo and turned off the side table light so only the fireplace and television illuminated the room. Lily was so small between them, Persephone was still able to rest her head on Alek's shoulder. It was the beginning of the movie and Persephone could feel Lily snuggle into her stomach, holding onto her.

Lily: "I don't like this part. Nemo's mama dieded."

She said with a sad voice at how in the movie Nemo's mother dies. Persephone gently rubbed Lily's back reassuringly, Lily only peeking out occasionally during the scene.

"It's okay, sweetheart."

Finally the scene passed and it was Nemo's first day of school. Lily finally stopped hiding her face and smiled, giggling at the different baby sea creatures in the scene. She finally relaxed again, enjoying the movie. Persephone looked over at Alek with a warm smile, resting her head back onto his shoulder, her hand still lovingly rubbing Lily as they all watched the movie.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph eyed him when she came in and saw him wearing pajamas.

"I wanted to look the part."

He eyed her as if to say, hey, this was your idea. He asked what they were going to watch, and Lily answered with a resounding vote for Finding Nemo. Seph turned it on, and got into bed.

Lily: "I like the turtles."

"You know what, in the summer I bet we'll have some turtles at the lake."

He turned to Seph.

"And maybe we need a little field trip to the aquarium in the mean time?"

And maybe some snorkeling lessons back in Greece, once Lily got a little better at swimming. Lily was heavily into the potato chips, and after making sure she was propped up enough to see (and be sure not to choke) he reached his hand into the bowl and got a handful too. Seph leaned her head on his shoulder, and he rested his on top of hers. Every day he seemed to think, This is perfect. But this here? The three of them together? It really was.

Lily soon hid her face in Seph's stomach, not liking the part where Nemo's mom dies, and Seph rubbed her back. He shook his head - sometimes he really wondered about these kids movies and the things they showed. But at least they could watch it together, so Lily could see that her mom wasn't going anywhere. But it also gave Alek a brief twinge, knowing how easily it could have been just he and Lily watching this movie together.

That part was over quickly, though, and soon they were all laughing at the movie. Towards the end, though, Lily's eyes started to droop and it wasn't long before she was snuggled with her bear snoring away. He leaned over and kissed Seph softly on the lips and smiled at her.

"Best idea ever mama."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone gave Alek a look, noting how covered up he was in his long pajama bottoms and t shirt. She smiled as he returned her look as if to say this was her idea to begin with.

Alek: "I wanted to look the part."

"Good job, daddy."

Persephone wrinkled her nose playfully as Lily looked up at Alek with an approving nod.

Lily: "Yeah! Good job, daddy!"

Chuckling, Persephone climbed into bed after Alek asked what movie Lily wanted to see. Without missing a beat she asked for Finding Nemo and Persephone scrolled through their list until finding it. Lily said she liked the turtles in the movie and Alek suggested that maybe they would be able to see turtles by the lake during the summer. Lily gasped in at the thought.

Lily: "Really?!"

She quickly turned her head to Persephone to get confirmation of such facts.

Lily: "Mama! Really?!"

Persephone nodded, grinning up at Alek before looking down at Lily.

"You're daddy's right. I bet there will be turtles and frogs. Fish too."

Alek: "And maybe we need a little field trip to the aquarium in the mean time?"

Lily was definitely old enough to appreciate the aquarium, and with how much she loved swimming and Finding Nemo, Alek's idea sounded amazing. Persephone nodded with a smile.

"That sounds like fun, huh?"

Lily nodded and bounced happily.

Lily: "Yeah! Yeah! I see Nemos! And and Dory's! And and Squirt!"

She was so excited that there would be no denying taking her to the aquarium now. Persephone would have to research who had the best aquariums in the world so they could all take a trip there. But the excitement soon died down as the movie started. As many times as Lily had seen Finding Nemo, she always hated the beginning when Nemo's mom died. Lily curled up clutching Persephone during the scene. She gently eased Lily with gentle strokes down her back until finally the 'scary' part passed and Lily was giggling once again. They got through a good portion of the movie--more than Persephone thought Lily would last through--until Lily fell asleep. Turning the tv off, she turned to Alek as he leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She smiled, giving him another before he managed to pull away.

Alek: "Best idea ever mama."

Her smile remained as she leaned into Alek, putting her head on his chest. Lily was snug between them fast asleep, and soon, she and Alek fell asleep as well.


---


Four months had passed since Christmas and it was now spring in Sweden. The snow melted away and the land was plush with a blanket of green grass and trees. Lily was now six years old and had officially started school in Greece, but the family had decided to take a special weekend vacation to the cabin in celebration of Alek's birthday. Persephone and Lily had woken up early to make Alek breakfast, deciding on pancakes, bacon, hash browns, sausage, eggs, and toast. His chair at the dining room table had balloons attached to it all saying 'Happy Birthday'. Lily had a special hand made birthday card waiting for him on the table as well as a painting she made for him in art class at school.

Lily: "Mommy...can I wake him up now?"

Lily stood next to Persephone by the stove, watching as she finished scooping the potatoes onto a plate. Everything was finally made and just needed to be brought to the table.

"Sure, baby. Make sure you jump on him good."

She said with a smile. Lily matched her smile and nodded, quickly running upstairs; her waist length brown hair bouncing behind her as she went. Persephone put all the food on the table as Lily cracked open the door to see Alek still sleeping. Tip toeing into the room, she slowly and carefully climbed onto the bed before pouncing on Alek and bouncing up and down on him.

Lily: "Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!"

 

[Berserker]

The Cabin

Alek was sleeping soundly in their bed at the cabin. There was something about being here, cuddled up under the blanket against the crisp clean morning air. Especially when Seph was under the covers with him. It was the beginning of a nice dream until he felt something heavy land on top of him.

Lily: "Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!"

He opened one eye, then the other. Lily was beaming, bouncing on him.

"Oh, thank you, my little princess. What a nice way to be woken up in the morning, by my beautiful little girl."

He opened his arms up for a hug, and she dove onto him, hugging him tight. He kissed her forehead.

"Where's Mama?"

Lily: "Downstairs. She said I could wake you."

Probably told her to jump on me too.

Lily: "I've been practicing bear noises all morning. Listen."

Lily growled loudly, jumping around the bed on all fours and tossing her head.

"That's so good, little bear. Can you do this one?"

He sat up, and made a whuffing noise kind of like a dog barking, which she mimicked perfectly.

He tousled her hair, smiling proudly. Lily smiled back at him, but then she seemed to remember something, and took hold of his hand, pulling at him.

Lily: "Come on, Daddy, it's time to get up. You have to come downstairs."

He raised his eyebrows at her, smiling.

"And why is that?"

She rolled her eyes at him, doing a perfect impression of a teenager. Which made Alek internally groan. She was already growing up too fast.

Lily: "Da-ad."

"Okay, okay."

He threw the covers off (thankfully he was wearing bottoms) and allowed her to pull him by the hand out of bed.

"Wait - one more birthday hug."

She smiled and threw her arms around his waist. He leaned down to hug her tightly, and then she took his hand to lead him downstairs to the kitchen, where a huge spread of food was laid out on the table. There were balloons tied to the chair where he normally sat.

"Is all this for me?"

Lily was practically jumping up & down in excitement, ushering him over to his seat.

Lily: "Sit down! Sit down!"

Alek slipped into his chair, and saw at his place a card and a painting.

"Are these for me?"

He asked Lily, smiling, who nodded excitedly. He read the card, and leaned over to hug her and kiss the top of her head.

"I love it. And this painting? It's so beautiful! I'm going to get it framed and hang it in the den."

He kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, little flower. These are the best presents I've ever received."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone turned to see Lily practically pushing Alek into his seat excitedly, showing him the birthday card and painting that she made him. Persephone smiled as she leaned her hip against the counter watching as Alek took in the surprise that they set up for him.

Alek: "Is all this for me?"

"Lily wanted to surprise you with a special breakfast."

Persephone gave Lily a wink as she bounced over happily to her seat, pulling it up next to Alek's.

Lily: "Sit down! Sit down!"

She lightly laughed at how eager Lily was to show Alek the card and painting she made for him. He opened the card and read it, then examined the painting with such a look of pride on his face.

Alek: "I love it. And this painting? It's so beautiful! I'm going to get it framed and hang it in the den. Thank you, little flower. These are the best presents I've ever received."

He gave Lily a kiss on the cheek and she had a smile stretching from one ear to the other. Lily had been talking none stop about surprising Alek with a special breakfast all week long. She even convinced Persephone to cook bacon and sausage, which was no small feat. But Lily knew he would love it, and Persephone couldn't deny him OR her of anything.

Lily: "Mommy said I should make something from scratch because you would really love it."

Persephone walked over to Alek, running her hand along his shoulder before leaning down and giving him a kiss.

"Happy Birthday, baby."

She murmured softly against his lips before giving him one more kiss. She then took a seat at the table along side him and Lily, crossing her leg at the knee.

"Alright birthday boy, dig in. Lily and I slaved for hours making this!"

Lily: "Mo-om."

Persephone shrugged with a cheeky grin.

"Okay, maybe not hours...but it will get cold! So enjoy!"

Piling some hash browns, eggs, toast, and a pancake on Lily's plate, Persephone then made up her own plate before eating. With age, Lily definitely had gotten Alek's appetite. She could literally eat more than Persephone and still be the size of....well a small six year old child. It was pretty comical.

Lily: "What do you wanna do today, daddy?"

Persephone peered over the rim of her glass of orange juice, cocking up a brow while trying to hide her smirk. She had a few ideas of who he wanted to do, but that part of his birthday present would have to be put on hold for a few hours until Lily took a nap.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

He praised Lily for her gifts, genuinely loving that she had made them for him.

Lily: "Mommy said I should make something from scratch because you would really love it."

"You made these yourself? Come here, little bear."

He opened his arms for a hug.

"I love them."

He ran his hand down the back of her hair, smiling at her as she took her seat next to him. Seph put her hand on his shoulder and leaned down to give him a kiss.

"Happy Birthday, baby."

"Thank you, baby. This is wonderful."

He looked more closely at the table, and drew in a breath with surprise. He grinned broadly, looking at Seph.

"Bacon? And sausage?"

Lily: "What do you wanna do today, daddy?"

He looked at Seph, and she was arching an eyebrow at him. He smirked at her, raising a brow in response. Then he turned his attention back at Lily.

"Let me see...maybe we could do some fishing in the lake? And then maybe you can read to me from one of your books? And later have a fire in the fire pit?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone took a seat at the table, all ready to start dishing out the food when Alek suddenly drew in a breath of surprise, almost startling Persephone thinking that something was wrong. Then he a huge grin appeared on his face.

Alek: "Bacon? And sausage?"

Persephone cracked a smile while rolling her eyes.

"My gift to you."

She said sarcastically, her smile becoming bigger before laughing. Lily was already enjoying her pancakes when she asked what Alek wanted to do for his birthday. Persephone gave him a look and he returned it. Oh he would be getting more than just bacon and sausage later and knew as much. But he went back into daddy mode, turning his attention to Lily.

Alek: "Let me see...maybe we could do some fishing in the lake? And then maybe you can read to me from one of your books? And later have a fire in the fire pit?"

Lily looked really excited about doing all of those things, nodding as she chewed.

Lily: "Okay! Maybe if we catch some fish we can have that for dinner? Oh! And roast s'mores by the fire pit for dessert!"

Persephone nodded while eating, agreeing to both.

"Sounds good to me. As long as it's okay with the birthday boy."

She smiled at Alek knowing that he would do whatever Lily wanted to do regardless of whether or not it was his birthday. They all just about finished breakfast when Persephone stood up, snapping her fingers.

"Oh, I almost forgot."

Lily began to smile which turned into an all out grin, knowing this was all apart of their plan. Lily slid out of her chair and grabbed Alek's hand pulling him up so he was standing

Lily: "Common, dadddddddy..."

Persephone smiled, taking his other hand and walking him to the front door, opening it.

"Your main gift was a little too big to put in a box..."

Lily took his hand and pulled him outside, and sitting the in the driveway next to the truck was a beautiful Harley Davidson motorcycle with a big red bow on it.

Lily: "SURPRISE!"

Persephone had as broad of a grin as Lily did, leaning in and giving Alek a kiss.

"We can bring it back to Greece with us. You said you've always wanted to ride along the coastline....so here's your chance."

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

The three of them sat eating breakfast together - a breakfast which really was an amazing feast. He munched on a strip of bacon as if it was ambrosia. It was just so full of fatty, meaty, goodness. Lily asked him with a mouth full of pancakes what he wanted to do for his birthday, so he suggested some things they could all do together. Because that's what he really wanted for his birthday: to have his family all around him.

Lily: "Okay! Maybe if we catch some fish we can have that for dinner? Oh! And roast s'mores by the fire pit for dessert!"

He smiled down at her.

"Sounds like the perfect birthday."

Alek was on to his last sausage link when Seph stood up. He paused and looked up at her, his fork dangling in front of him.

"Oh, I almost forgot."

Lily got out of her chair and took his hand, pulling him to his feet.

Lily: "Common, dadddddddy..."

"Another surprise?" he asked her, wondering what it could possibly be.

Seph got on the other side of him, taking his other hand, and his two girls escorted him to the front door.

"You're kicking me out of the house on my birthday?" he cracked, winking at Lily.

"Your main gift was a little too big to put in a box..."

"My main gift?"

Alek was pretty sure his main gift consisted of Persephone and a big red bow. Or maybe the bow would be green this time. But Lily would not be deterred, pulling him outside by the hand and shouting, Surprise.

"Wow."

There was a motorcycle in the driveway. A beautiful motorcycle.

Excited eyes looked from Seph to Lily and back again. Seph leaned in and gave him a kiss.

"Really? For me?"

He walked forward, making a circle around it and appraising it, before looking back at Lily & Seph.

"We can bring it back to Greece with us. You said you've always wanted to ride along the coastline....so here's your chance."

Finally he exploded with glee, picking Lily up and hugging her, then leaning in to give Seph another kiss.

"This is amazing!"

He looked at the bike and back again.

"Thank you girls, my beautiful girls!"

Still carrying Lily, he went over and sat on the bike, sitting Lily down in his lap.

"I can't believe you did this!"