Something Wicked This Way Comes

Chapter 45

Claire watched the way Carter had his gaze fixed solely on Douxie's face, the intensity in his eyes. He was clearly stewing an idea around in his head, but she couldn't tell the exact nature of it. After a long minute of him just looking at Douxie, Carter set his bowl on the ground and got Douxie's attention by kissing his bare shoulder.

"What?" Douxie asked with a soft laugh, turning to look at him.

Carter gave him a gentle smile. "I want to talk to your granddad."

Douxie's eyes widened in shock. He opened and closed his mouth, clearly caught off-guard. "Sorry, did I hear that right?"

Carter rolled his eyes. "Baby, I don't think it's that odd of a request."

Douxie wet his lips, turning his body to fully face Carter. "No... I guess not, but why?"

Carter sighed. "I... I just need to talk to him. It's... for personal reasons."

Douxie tipped his head to the side, the action so... uncanny with the way he looked now. It was almost animal, in a way. "You... want to talk... to my grandfather? For personal reasons?"

Carter nodded. "Yep."

Douxie blinked. "... I mean... okay." He got to his feet, holding his hand out for Carter. "Come on, I'll take you to him."

They left the room hand in hand. Claire swiveled to look at Jim, who exchanged expressions with her.

"What does Carter possibly need to say to Arawn?" Claire asked.

Jim shrugged, but Toby looked like he was hiding a smile.

"What is it?" She asked the red-head.

Toby grinned. "I think Carter wants to ask Arawn's permission to marry Douxie."

Claire stared at him. "That cannot possibly be it."

"What else would he need to say to him?"

"Probably something like, 'how dare you abandon my boyfriend for nine-hundred years, what's wrong with you?'," Jim suggested sarcastically. "Maybe something like that?"

Next to her, Antigone let out a laugh.

"Whatever it is," Antigone said. "I'm sure it's about Douxie."

"Then why would he say it was personal?" Steve questioned.

"Probably so Douxie wouldn't ask him questions," Archie muttered. "At least, not in front of all of you. What they say to each other in private is..."

"Private?" Jim asked dryly.

"Well, yes." The dragon said, then looked at Fenris. "What do you think?"

"I think it's none of our business," Fenris said, shifting a little so Harley was more comfortable against him. He looked up at Toril. "Reminds me of you at that age."

Toril scowled. "Shut up, Wolfie."

Fenris looked pleased with himself, tail thumping dully on the floor. "And at any rate, I'm sure whatever Carter has to say to Arawn would be well-deserved."

"Guys," Jim said. "Arawn never meant to abandon Douxie, just so we're clear on that. I'm not sure what to make of him yet, but I can tell he genuinely loves him, and wants the best for him."

Aja sighed. "Maybe, but my problem is what if his idea of what's best for Douxie, isn't what's actually best for Douxie?"

"Like how?" Krel questioned.