The mush will end soon, I promise! Man, this must be the longest stint of writer’s block I’ve ever had…urg…
Grrr, take ma fic outta Fan Corner will ya…anyway, here’s the next chapter and I’ll really,
really try to get some more done.
DaddyHaigar burst into Bailey’s room, with a huge smile on his face. Bailey and his mother looked up sharply. Bailey’s eyes lit up and she smiled in delight and relief. Alika got up quietly and left the room. She chuckled softly as it was obvious that the young people only had eyes for each other. Bailey stood up, her grin fading a little, her eyes becoming worried.
“What did he say?” she asked quietly. Haigar’s grin grew and he suddenly swept Bailey into his arms so close that their noses were almost touching.
“Whadda you think?” he asked, still grinning. Bailey smiled, but continued to play the game,
“Oh I dunno.” She said, coy for the first time in her young life, “Maybe yer just gonna havta spell it out.” Haigar was only too happy to comply. He leaned forward and growled, knowing it’s effect on the human,
“We had a talk, and I said I wanted you,
only, you. And as long as we don’t give Stranger another heart attack, doin’ anythin’…untoward… Stranger said I had his permission to court you… If you’ll have me…” Haigar looked down at her hopefully. Bailey’s eyes gleamed and she grinned, almost ferally. She reached up and tugged, gently but firmly, on his growing beard, bringing him closer.
“Whadda you think?” she teased. She stroked the fur on his chest, watching in satisfaction as Haigar shuddered. He met her gaze and growled teasingly.
“Whadda you doin’ to me woman?”
“I wonder…” Bailey said in a low voice that sent shivers down Haigar’s back. Bailey smiled, pleased with the effect she was having on the Steef. She leaned in close, “I wonder.” She repeated, and stroked her lips against his, kissing him softly.
¤§¤
Summer continued to slide inexorably into autumn, it was nearly three quarters gone, and Bailey had never been so happy as she was now.
So this was what being in love was like, the blissful happiness, the unquenchable tenderness, the general warmth and light and beauty that seemed exuded by everything and everyone. Haigar seemed to Bailey, the most attractive creature she’d ever seen and she could hardly keep her hands – or lips – off him. And the young Steef male seemed only too happy, and eager, to return the kisses, the tender caresses, the affectionate touches.
They spent their days together, Bailey lying in Haigar’s arms, as close as she could get, her elation only heightened by Stranger’s acceptance of them, and his apparent approval. His approval meant everything to Bailey, she didn’t want to upset Stranger, he was her Dad, no matter that he was Steef and she was human. He may not have been her
father, but he was her Dad. And that he encouraged them (though insisting they stick to his ‘rules’) meant more to Bailey then he could ever realise.
Bailey would always remember that day, the worry for Haigar, and for Stranger as well, the wrenching on her heart that she may have to choose between them. And the joy when Haigar had burst in, letting her know everything was alright.
“I wonder.” She repeated, and stroked her lips against his, kissing Haigar softly.
“I love you.” He breathed.
“I love you.” Bailey returned, there was a pause, though Bailey felt incomprehensible joy, there was still a weight on her heart. “Haigar, I love you,” the Steef smiled warmly, “But I need to see Stranger.” Haigar looked at her, then nodded. Still smiling,
“I understand. You should see him.” Bailey kissed his cheek.
“Thank you.” Haigar kissed her cheek in reply and drew his arms from around her. Bailey stroked his forearm for a second then left. She found Stranger just as he left Daimen, Alika and Haigar’s hut. “Stranger.” Bailey whispered.
Stranger froze and looked round, he saw Bailey and looked away, casting his eyes down. Bailey didn’t miss the shame and regret in his eyes. Bailey’s heart tugged.
“Stranger.” She said again, “Stranger please, don’t be angry with me.” Stranger stopped again. Then he looked up sharply.
“Liddle darlin’…I’m not angry.” He said softly, sounding mortified. Bailey felt her eyes prickling as they misted up with tears.
“Daddy.” she whispered. “I love you Daddy.” She didn’t know exactly where the words came from, they had come from somewhere deep down in her heart. So deep down that there could be no deception. Only truth. Stranger stared at the young human as tears trickled down her cheeks. His heart felt like it had been twisted apart at her words. By one word in particular that had great effect on him;
“Daddy?” he asked. Bailey wiped her eyes with the sleeves of her shirt, then looked up. She nodded,
“You’ve always
been my Daddy, Stranger, always.” She whispered, voice rasping with tears. Stranger felt his own eyes becoming moist.
“I’m not angry with yer baby.” He said softly. “I could never be angry at’cha. I…I love yer too much.” He whispered.
“But, Haigar…” the regret and shame re-entered Stranger’s neon green eyes.
“Bailey…I’m-I’m sorry… I shouldn’t-a snapped at’cha…not like tha’…I know yer’d never do anythin’ like tha’…It’s, just…yer ma baby Bailey, I don’t want ter lose yer… I don’t want’cha ter get hurt… No one’ll ever be good enough fer ma baby…” Stranger looked away again. After a moment, he felt a touch on his arm. Bailey had come up next to him.
“Haigar loves me.” She said quietly, “An’ I love him too… I know yer just bein’ protective, I know you just want me to be happy and I’m so grateful… But he’ll look after me, he wants to keep me as safe as you do… I couldn’t have found anyone better…” Stranger took a deep shuddering breath and glanced at her, “I still love you Daddy, I always will…”
Stranger blinked and looked skyward, swallowing hard. When he looked down again he found Bailey looking at him pleadingly. He smiled. Slowly, Stranger went down on his knees.
“I love you too.” He answered. Bailey flung her arms around his neck. Stranger wrapped his arms around his human and held her tight. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. After a moment Bailey pulled away slightly and looked Stranger in the face.
“He said, you gave him permission…” Stranger met her eyes, and nodded.
“Yeah. Yeah I did…an’ I ain’t gonna take it back…I know he loves yer…” he smiled ruefully, “It’s, just hard…ter let yer kid go…” Bailey smiled and hugged him again.
“That’s why you’re my Dad…”
Haigar looked down at the human female in his arms. Sensing his gaze Bailey looked up and met his eyes.
“You were somewhere else.” He said softly, she smiled and nodded.
“I was just thinkin’…how much I love Stranger, how lucky I am to have him…” Haigar smiled in agreement, the smile became teasing.
“What about me?” he asked playfully. Bailey’s grin grew wider. She leaned up and kissed his chest slowly, stroking the fur. Haigar’s hair stood up and he shivered. Bailey giggled.
“I love you blue. I don’t know what I did that made you love me, but I’m glad.” Haigar wrapped his arms her waist, his hands on her stomach as he buried his muzzle in her hair.
“You were just yourself.”