Etienne

Build Up

 "Nonno," Marisol called as he spotted Milo in the doorway.

Milo smiled at the child kneeling down to embrace him.

"Where is your mommy at?" He asked picking up Marisol and tossing him in the air making him giggle.

"She's outside with Papa," He stated.

Milo caught the child and set him back on the ground. He refocused his attention to hear the conversation outside.

"So much hate has filled you. It dims the light within you."

"Quit spouting off that nonsense! You sound utterly insane."

"I'm simply speaking the truth. Just because your ears are deaf to it does not diminish the reality of it."

Milo watched the situation now determining whether he should step in or not.

"You get this nonsense from Milo, always whispering in your ear who knows what. If you felt anything for me or this family, you would stop letting him rule over your life."

"What so you can take the position?" Etienne quipped back. "Milo does not rule over me like you want to. He empowers me. He knows to not get frightened when he sees a woman with a mind of her own. And frankly Harken I will fight tooth and nail before I let you turn me into a mindless wife only following her husband for the sake of him being a husband. Prove that you're a man that deserves to be followed."

Harken raised his hand to slap Etienne, but Milo was over in an instance grabbing him by the wrist with only a fraction of his true strength.

"Didn't anybody tell you that violence doesn't solve problems especially if you've been verbally beaten beforehand?"

Harken was obviously terrified but tried to pull his arm away regardless. Milo refused to let go for a moment showcasing his power over Harken but did finally let him go.

Harken looked at Etienne, who didn't bat an eye at the situation.

"You have a choice to make Etienne!" Harken warned pointing a finger at her and with no response, he turned back around quickly headed back into the house.

"What a child of a human," Milo remarked.

"He's just scared and confused about the world around him. He can't explain it so he gets mad."

"Yes as I stated before: a child. You had more understanding when you were still a young one."

Etienne smiled fondly at Milo.

"Perhaps that has more to do with who brought me up rather than myself."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short my darling."

He reached over, taking her hand gently and brought it to his face caressing it against his cheek.

Marisol ran out of the house.

"My baby," Etienne called pulling away from Milo so she could swoop down and pick up Marisol.

"Oh my dear, I hope you heard none of the nonsense that was spoken here today."

Marisol smiled at her widely.

"Mommy your light is so bright it hurts my eyes."

She leaned her head forward so that they were touching foreheads. "Yours too my darling, but I am so lucky to be blinded by your light baby."

Milo smiled at the two of them. He rather enjoyed the experience of this human family that he had such an insight into. He would find it rather perfect if Harken did not grain on his nerves. He was such an uninteresting and simplistic creature. He almost regretted the choice of approving the marriage. That was Etienne's choice though. Besides without the terribly drab Harken, Marisol would not have been created in his most perfect way.

"Come Nonno. We're going for a walk," Marisol called.

Milo was instantly by his side placing him on his shoulder. "Let's go then. Let's appreciate the night and nature."

Etienne smiled at the two of them.

"You should really be his tutor whenever he's gotten old enough," Etienne suggested.

"I doubt your mate will allow that."

Etienne rolled her eyes at the statement.

"Oh, pay him no mind. He'll come around."

"Not that I believe what that insect spouts off to you, but perhaps I should take a step back. Let you have your family."

"Milo hold your tongue at such a notion. You are truly a light of my life. If you just go away I would be lost. I love Harken. He gave me my beautiful Marisol," She reached up tickling Marisol's leg making him squeal with laughter. "But the love I have for you will always be one of the deepest love I have. Nothing can change that. Our lives have been intertwined far longer and I will always choose you if I must."

Milo let Marisol down off of his shoulders. He stopped walking and pulled Etienne into a hug.

"I'm so happy I found you as a child. Who knows what pointless years I would have experienced without you."

Etienne soaked in the hug along with the energy that ran through his body.

"I am the lucky one," Etienne stated.