Daddy?

Meir looked up at Lily.

"Daddy why do I have to look like this?" Lily stared at her hands.

"Because I need you to be able to move with me," Meir bent down. Lily wrapped bandages around his torso as he winced.

"I'm sorry, Lily. Your mom would kill me. I'll...put you back. Give you your whole childhood, I promise. But I can't protect you as well right now. Do you understand?"

Lily nodded softly. She pushed his hair back with concern, looking down.

"I'm fine, Lily, really. Mom too. I never lie to you, do I?"

The young girl sat next to her father who was very clearly burned. She sighed, looking up at the portrait of her mother, her father and her.

"You haven't given it to her yet?" Lily asked gently.

Meir winced. "I was a bit...preoccupied getting burned by the holiest water possible, Lily. I'm sorry. No. I didn't get a chance."

Lily frowned, looking down.

Meir sighed, resting his hand on her head. "Your mother will never forget you, Lily. Not a moment goes by she doesn't think of you. She dreams of you, prays for you. Tolerates me for you. Even if I don't remind her this week. Okay?"

Lily nodded, laying her head on his chest. He winced, but patted her anyway.

"Dad, I'm hungry." Lily complained, her eyes filling with tears.

Meir winced. "I know. My clone is out now. For being such a good helper I'll give you that...McDonald's you always ask for."

She cozied up to him. "And a fresh soul?"

He nodded. "Hm. Sure, little one. You can rest until it's time to eat."

"In my original form?"

Meir nodded his approval. She shrunk, curling up in his lap, a baby once again, content. He smiled, rubbing her back.

He didn't mean to force her to grow up so soon. Still, it was hard to protect her. Protect anyone like this. It would take a while for him to recover from the burns holy water left on him. It was extra purified straight from Him.

He stared at the ceiling of the dark nursery he'd carefully crafted.

"Lana," he whispered. "Lana, Lana, Lana."

• • •

Lana opened her eyes. It was Friday. She waited by the door anxiously.

"I never use the door," he said from behind her.

She grinned. "I was worried."

Meir sat down with a wince. "It was a difficult situation. Thank you for helping me."

She sat down next him. "Did you...?"

He glanced at her, before nodded to the wall. She looked up smiling.

"Our family portrait."

"Lily insisted no matter how I felt that I just bring this to you. So you won't forget her."

"I could never—"

"I know. I told her. But here it is."

She kissed his cheek.

"This won't be the last time," he whispered. "They'll keep coming for you, Lana. You're too important to me."

He looked over at her. "I'm leaving you with a scythe. Put on your hands on it in self-defense, and it will fight for you."

Lana leaned her head on his shoulder. She kissed his shoulder, and his neck. Meir sighed softly.

"You fought for me Lana. I am a monster. But I will never forget that act of loyalty. I will repay it."

He sighed, closing his eyes gently. Her hands massaged his chest. He felt better already. She slid into his lap, gently.

"I'm not hurting you am I?"

"I'm not that weak,"

She massaged his shoulders, leaning in, her lips ghosting over his.

His hands rested on the curve of her hips.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. I didn't mean to hurt you, Meir. Do you believe me?"

He smiled, nodding. "I know. It wasn't your fault, Lana."

His hands roamed the arch of her back. She pressed closer, her breathing shallow.

"You were a good girl for me. I'm proud of you," he whispered, his hand on her ass. Lana smiled softly.

For the first time...she could see him. His features suddenly came into focus. He was...beautiful. She always knew he was. Red eyes, almost like a cat. Chiseled jaw, stubble covering it, long lashes.

"I see you," she whispered, stroking his cheek.

"What?"

"I can see you, Meir. I can you see so clearly." She kissed his cheek tenderly, looking in his eyes.

She wiped away the tears from his eyes before fell. "You can see me?"