Itching for a Fight

[Nox]

Nox almost ran into Mara on the way upstairs with a kicking and screaming kid. He was glad she was making an appearance with the rest of the family. She might not join them for meals or even the fun times, but she was just as much a part of the family as anyone else.

Nox set Arabella down on the couch. "Stay there." The moment he let go she was moving towards the floor. Nox grabbed her arm with his good hand and squeezed gently, "What's wrong?"

She only glared at him and tried to squirm out of his grip. "I take it you want to leave my house, go to stranger's place. I can arrange that if you want." It saddened Nox to say it and there was a hint of sadness in his voice. He loved his strange collection of family but if Arabella wanted to leave he wasn't going to make her stay.

But the words as they came out of his mouth made Arabella freeze. Tears started to leak down her cheeks and the screams and fits fell into sobs. "No, don't make me go. I'll be good."

Nox took Arabella in is arms and held her tight. "I don't want you to go anywhere. I just figured you didn't want to live here anymore, it's why you are acting out."

Arabella wrapped her arms tightly around Nox's neck and he got up and sat down on the couch where he'd placed her and held her tight in his arms just taking in her breathing. "I love you Arabella. All of you. I want you to stay here, but you have to tell me what's wrong."

She sniffled. "Nothing. I love you too. You can be my Daddy. I'm sorry."

Nox smiled "It's okay. But you are still grounded. No more downstairs for you until you learn to behave and stop doing things you know you aren't supposed to do."

Arabella continued with her sad sniffles and kept her arms tight around his neck. This was probably all she had wanted, all that jealousy she was missing being held and loved.