Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Her body was pressed against Alek's, soaking in his warmth until she finally stopped trembling from the cold. She smiled up at him as he said he would have to follow her wherever she went, giving him a little nod and agreeable grin. But soon she got lost in the current of his blue eyes, wondering how she had ever lived without him for so long.

Alek: "It feels like anything before I met you isn't real."

And she felt the same.

"I know..."

Persephone whispered between them.

"You make me so happy, Alek. So loved....I never want to not feel this way again.."

Alek: "Well it just so happens to be my life's work, so you're in luck."

He smiled and she returned it, her hand moving between them so she could take his chin within her fingers. He gently kissed her lips and Persephone held him there, her eyes shutting and the world around her melting away. She could feel her body react to his touch - to his lips softly caressing hers. She arched her body into his as her hand slipped back behind his neck to deepen the kiss. She needed him, so badly...but Alek broke the kiss and the world around Persephone came crashing back to reality, hearing the kids on the baby monitor.

Alek: "I thought she was over being jealous."

Sighing out, Alek began to move to get out of bed. Audibly protesting with a whine, her hand gripped his shoulder, then slipped down his bicep, forearm, wrist, then hand, trying to keep Alek in bed as he climbed out and began to get dressed.

"Nooo..."

Burying her face into the pillow, damnit, now she knew how he felt all those times before. Alek left the room and headed down to Lucas' nursery. Finally sitting up in bed, Persephone sighed once again before looking over at the monitor and seeing Lily teaching Lucas how to growl. He kept saying Lily's name and trying to repeat the growling she was doing making Persephone smile. It was then that Lily saw Alek and explained why she was in there and what she was doing. It was absolutely adorable and made Persephone's heart fill with such love that her daughter was trying to keep Lucas from getting scared. Climbing out of bed, she slipped on some comfortable shorts and a long sleeved fitted top before heading down the hall to the nursery.

Lucas' blue eyes were big as he saw her, reaching out over the cribs railings to her.

Lucas: "Mama Leelee guh!"

Her mouth parted realizing he said mama for the first time. Persephone smiled big, walking over to Lucas.

"Look at you growling like a big boy!"

Lucas: "Mama! Mamaaa!"

He was reaching up and grunting out, anxiously wanting to be taken out of the crib.

"And you're saying mama..."

She whispered with such love as she lifted Lucas out of the crib and brought him to her chest. He immediately wrapped his little arms around Persephone's neck, hugging her tightly and burying his face into her neck and hair.

"You're growing up too quickly little man."

She said with a gentle smile, looking over at Alek who was holding Lily now.

Lily: "He's a big boy now, mama. I'm teaching him stuff so he can be brave like me and daddy."

Persephone lightly laughed, giving Lily a faux insulted look.

"Mommy's not brave?!"

Lily giggled, embarrassed after realizing what she had said.

Lily: "You're brave too, mommy!"

"Uh huh...suuuuure."

Lily: "You are! Super brave!"

Persephone smirked at Alek, her eyes light and playful.

"All the bears in the family are ganging up on lil' ol' me. I get it."

Persephone playfully teased while reaching out and tickling Lily's stomach making her laugh and pull herself against Alek for protection.

"Come on, lets get some lunch in those brave little belly's."

Lucas shrieked out happily making Persephone laugh and bounce him in her arms. Running her hand down the back of his head, she lead the way out of the nursery.

"I'm brave, right Lucas?"

She whispered before giving his cheek a kiss. He giggled, happily waving his fists in the air as they headed downstairs to the kitchen. Persephone took that as him agreeing and smiled.

"That's what I thought."

Putting him down in his high chair, Persephone passed by Alek and stole a quick kiss before heading into the kitchen to prepare lunch.

 

[Berserker]

The Nursery

Damnit.

Lucas was saying mama. Now Seph would be lording it all over him... But he didn't begrudge her the moment, as she picked up Lucas and he snuggled against her chest. He was carrying Lily, and he leaned over to whisper to Seph.

"Mama's boy."

When he pulled back, he grinned at her.

"That's okay, so am I."

Lily: "He's a big boy now, mama. I'm teaching him stuff so he can be brave like me and daddy."

Alek turned his smile on her.

"You are a really great big sister, you know that?"

Lily: "Yup!"

He laughed, mussing her hair.

"Mommy's not brave?!"

Lily giggled, then told her mother she was of course brave too.

"All the bears in the family are ganging up on lil' ol' me. I get it."

He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Mommy's a beautiful deer, strong and brave."

He kissed Lily's cheek then.

"And you can be just like her."

"Come on, lets get some lunch in those brave little belly's."

They all headed downstairs, Seph putting Lucas in the high chair before going into the kitchen. Alek helped Lily pull out her chair, and put a few toys on Lucas's tray to keep him occupied. He got the box of crayons and drawing paper from the living room and brought it to the table, putting a piece of paper in front of Lily and one in front of the chair next to her as he sat down. He opened the box and offered her the choice of colors.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone's heart couldn't help but swell as she heard her little boy say mama for the first time. Alek leaned in and whispered to her.

Alek: "Mama's boy."

He pulled back and grinned, Persephone matching his smile with a cute little shrug.

"Daddy's girl."

She countered in regards to Lily who was holding onto Alek like he were her lifeline.

Alek: "That's okay, so am I."

Persephone let out a small laugh before Lily chimed in that Lucas was growing up and he was going to be brave just like her and Lily. Persephone playfully teased Lily about not being included in the brave category.

Alek: "Mommy's a beautiful deer, strong and brave. And you can be just like her."

Persephone smiled at that as Lily nodded happily. She then lead everyone down to the kitchen and placed Lucas in his high chair. Alek began to get some crayons and paper out for the kids to draw with as Persephone began to heat up some left over pizza from dinner the night before and make a fresh green salad.

Lily: "Mama look!"

Persephone looked up to see Lily holding up a piece of paper with a drawing of what looked like a dog and some stick people outside. A big yellow sun was in the sky and blue fluffy clouds.

Lily: "It's Olympus playing with me and Lucas in the backyard!"

Persephone smiled brightly as Olympus popped up his head hearing his name.

"That's beautiful, sweetheart!"

Lily's smile grew before she went back to coloring. Grabbing an oatmeal, banana, and apple sauce puree from the fridge, she put it in a little plastic bowl for Lucas before grabbing the large bowl of salad and walking over to the table. Placing the salad in the middle of the table for everyone, Persephone handed the baby bowl to Alek for him to feed Lucas as she went back to grab some plate for everyone else.

Lily: "I think I want to be a drawerer when I grow up."

Lily said matter of factly.

"Artist, baby."

Persephone corrected with a smile while placing plates and forks in front of everyone.

Lily: "Yeah, an artist! Or maybe a vet because I love animals....or maybe both!"

Persephone laughed warmly while scooping some salad onto Lily's plate.

"You can be whatever you want to be when you grow up. The sky's the limit."

Putting some salad on Alek's plate before serving herself, Persephone finally sat down and began to eat. The aroma of pizza began to fill the room as it continued to warm up in the oven.

Lily: "What did you wanna be when you were little, mama?"

Chewing, Persephone shrugged as she swallowed her bite.

"I wanted to rule the world....I still do."

Persephone wrinkled her nose at Lily playfully making her giggle. She then gave Alek a look as if to say what she said was half true....well, maybe more than half true. But her priorities had shifted since having children so ruling the world wasn't as important now as it was when she was a power hungry, sociopathic goddess in ancient Greece.

"Pizza should be done in a few minutes....but I need you to finish all your salad before you get a slice, okay?"

Lily nodded as she happily ate her salad. Her eyes shifted to Alek.

"You too."

She teased with a grin.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

Alek took the bowl of baby food from Seph, and put a small amount on a baby spoon.

"Here comes the airplane..."

He zoomed the spoon to Lucas' mouth, who took the bite absentmindedly, more interested on the plastic toys on his tray. Lily was showing Seph the drawing she was making of the two kids and the wolf. He winked at her.

"Where are Mommy and me while you're playing outside?"

Lily: "You're inside watching tv!"

Alek had to laugh.

"Are we? I hope we're watching something good."

Lily was talking about what she wanted to be when she few up, a idea that was too soon for Alek's comfort. Seph was bringing over the plates and food to the table.

"You can be whatever you want to be when you grow up. The sky's the limit."

"And you have a long time to decide."

Lily: "What did you wanna be when you were little, mama?"

"I wanted to rule the world....I still do."

"And I believe you can do it."

He smiled over at her, with Lily giggling as Seph made faces at her.

"Pizza should be done in a few minutes....but I need you to finish all your salad before you get a slice, okay? You too."

"Aw, mom."

He grinned. She didn't really need to tell Lily - the girl took after her mother in more ways than one. He secretly hoped Lucas would be a meat eater. He dutifully ate his salad, though, in between pushing spoonfuls into Lucas' mouth. He inclined his head towards Lily.

"And what do you think Lucas will be when he grows up?"

Lily's face scrunched up with thought, and she took a good thirty seconds before replying.

Lily: "A fisherman!"

Alek laughed again.

"And why is that?"

Lily: "Because he likes the water so much! Plus, we already have a boat."

"Can't argue with that."

The timer went off on the oven, and Alek motioned for Seph to stay in her seat. He got up and pulled the leftover pizza out, sliding it onto a tray, and carrying it over to the table.

 

[Persephone]

Lily showed the picture she drew of herself, Lucas, and Olympus playing in the backyard.

Alek: "Where are Mommy and me while you're playing outside?"

Lily: "You're inside watching tv!"

Alek laughed and Persephone joined.

Alek: "Are we? I hope we're watching something good."

"Or not watching..."

She chimed in with a smirk, knowing her naughty response would go over Lily's head. Persephone began to plate some salad for everyone as Lily expressed what she wanted to be when she grew up. Alek didn't seem to take to the thought of his little girl getting any older than she was at the moment which made Persephone smile warmly at him, loving his not so subtle response about her having a while to go before having to worry about what she wanted to be. Lily then asked what Persephone wanted to be when she was little and she answered truthfully, but made it light hearted and playful with her response.

Alek: "And I believe you can do it."

Alek smiled at her and Persephone's own smile widened with just a bit of confidence at his belief in her. But soon the subject switched to the pizza cooking in the oven, which smelled almost done judging from the aroma that filled the room. She told Lily she had to finish all of her salad before having a slice, then teasingly told Alek the same. They all continued to eat, Alek now asking Lily some questions.

Alek: "And what do you think Lucas will be when he grows up?"

Persephone absentmindedly frowned at that as she looked at Lucas with oatmeal on his cheeks happily teething on his foam blocks. She didn't want to think about Lucas growing up, which was funny considering Alek had the same reaction to Lily earlier.

Lily: "A fisherman!"

Alek: "And why is that?"

Lily: "Because he likes the water so much! Plus, we already have a boat."

Alek: "Can't argue with that."

Persephone smiled.

"As long as he catches some fish for us to eat!"

Persephone said with a sweet voice as she tickled Lucas' stomach, making him giggle loudly. At that moment the oven began to beep indicating the pizza was ready. Persephone began to stand when Alek motioned for her to stay while he got the food.

Lily: "Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!'

Lily chanted while bouncing in her seat. Laughing as Alek placed the pan of pizza on the table, Persephone carefully took a slice and placed it on Lily's plate.

"Wait baby, it's hot."

Lily whined as she looked at the slice like someone dangling a piece of meat to a starving tiger.

"You're about as patient as your father."

Persephone said with a laugh while playfully nudging Alek's shoulder. Lily began to blow on the pizza trying to quicken the cooling time, then finally, began to eat. Persephone picked at the crust of hers, not really eating much of it - the salad filled her up pretty well.

"So what does everyone want to do the rest of the day?"

 

[Berserker]

The Dining Room

Lily showed them the picture she'd drawn, and when Alek had asked her where Seph and he were in the picture, Lily had said they were inside watching tv. They had laughed at that, and Alek had said he hoped they were watching something good.

"Or not watching..."

His eyes slid to Seph, and he was already imagining mauling her on the sofa. He wondered if they could somehow convince both children to take an afternoon nap in addition to the one they'd just had. The four of them ate and talked, and he got the hot pizza out of the oven. Seph put a piece on Lily's plate, then told her to wait to eat it. What was that?! Lily had the same reaction, wanting to eat it right away.

"You're about as patient as your father."

"Then you must mean, very patient."

Seph nudged him, and he smiled at her.

"So what does everyone want to do the rest of the day?"

Alek pointedly wiped his mouth on his napkin and set it on the table.

"I am glad you asked that, Mama."

He reached next to him, where the picture he had been coloring with Lily while they waited for lunch was sitting. He held it up like a precious jewel.

"We are going on a treasure hunt."

Lily's mouth fell open, and she looked like he'd just asked her if she wanted to go to the moon.

"This right here." He waved the piece of paper a bit.

"Is a treasure map."

Lily: "Whooooooa. Is there really a treasure, Daddy?"

He nodded solemnly.

"There sure is. And you are going to have to follow the clues to find it."

Lily: "Can Lucas do it too? And Olympus?"

"Of course. But everyone has to finish their lunches first."

 

[Persephone]

Everyone was finally eating their pizza - Lily happily covered in sauce and cheese - when Persephone asked what they wanted to do the rest of the day.

Alek: "I am glad you asked that, Mama. We are going on a treasure hunt."

Alek held up the drawing he had made and Lily's eyes went as wide as saucers. Persephone smiled, her eyes following suit as she watched Alek present the picture to Lily like it were the most precious thing on Earth.

Alek: "This right here. Is a treasure map."

Lily: "Whooooooa. Is there really a treasure, Daddy?"

Persephone couldn't help but softly laugh, loving how absolutely enthralled Lily was with Alek's plan. He told Lily there was most definitely treasure and that they would all have to follow the clues to find it. Lily was damn near wiggling out of her seat with excitement asking if Lucas and Olympus could help as well.

Alek: "Of course. But everyone has to finish their lunches first."

Lily quickly began to eat the crust, trying her fastest to finish it.

"Lily, slow down...."

Persephone warned warmly with a laugh. Lily's cheeks were filled with pizza crust, but sure enough, her plate was empty with only bits of crumbs left over.

Lily: "Done!"

Or what sounded like done could be heard coming from her full mouth. Persephone shook her head with a smile.

"Help me clear the plates and we'll start daddy's treasure hunt."

Lily quickly nodded and slipped out of her chair, grabbing her plate and running to the sink. Persephone stood and picked up her plate and the empty bowl that held the salad.

"A treasure hunt, huh?"

Looking down at Alek, she leaned down and gave him a kiss.

"Care to let me in on what the treasure might be?"

She whispered against his lips with a smile.

Lily: "Mamaaaaa!"

Lily whined as she pulled the plate and bowl from Persephone's hands making her laugh. Lily quickly ran to the sink and placed them in.

"Sorry...sorry. I'm just trying to get intel on what this treasure might be."

Kissing Alek once more, she grabbed his plate and Lucas' empty bowl and walked over to the sink and put them in with the rest of the dirty dishes. Lily quickly ran back to Alek, sliding to a stop next to his chair.

Lily: "Ready, daddy!! Ready! Ready! Ready!"

She chanted while bouncing up and down. Persephone came up from behind Lily and began to tickle her sides while kissing her cheek - both making her giggle.

[to Alek] "You've created a monster!"

She teased playfully before picking up Lucas and holding him on her hip.

"Alright, daddy....I think we're all set for the treasure hunt."

 

[Berserker]

The Dining Room

Alek grinned - Lily did exactly what he would have done, eaten as quickly as possible so he could be done and start the treasure hunt. He had kept this one in his back pocket for a few weeks, waiting for a time when they really needed an activity to do. And hey, it was an excellent way to get Lily to eat and help clear the table. Maybe he should have told her they had to wash the car first?

Seph got up from the table, picking up the empty lunch things. She looked down at him with something he thought was amusement.

"A treasure hunt, huh? Care to let me in on what the treasure might be?"

She gave him a kiss, and he whispered in reply.

"The adult version happens tonight."

He raised an eyebrow suggestively at her, but they were interrupted by Lily impatiently grabbing the dishes out of Seph's hands. He looked after her little feet scurrying into the kitchen.

"Maybe we should do this every day. We'd never have to lift a finger again."

Seph picked up Lucas' bowl, and Alek got a wash cloth to wipe his messy face and hands. Then Lily was beside him jumping up and down with excitement.

Lily: "Ready, daddy!! Ready! Ready! Ready!"

He looked down at her with a serious expression.

"Hmm. I don't think you really want to find the treasure. Maybe we should just put the map away."

Lily looked like she was about to take flight.

Lily: "Ooh, yes I do, Daddy! Yes I do!"

She reached for the map, jumping up to try and reach it.

[to Alek] "You've created a monster!"

He gave Lily a conspiratorial look.

"Yeah, a monster of FUN."

He handed Lily the map, while Seph picked up Lucas and said they were ready to go. He bent down as Lily held the map, gripped tightly in both hands, in front of her. He pointed to a little picture at the beginning of the map, of a knife and fork with a plate in between.

"Okay, so where do you think we start?"

Lily's face scrunched up as she thought about it, eyes burning holes in the piece of paper.

Lily: "Uh...here! The kitchen table?"

Alek nodded.

"Now see where the trail is marked on the map, you need to follow that to the next location."

A dashed line went off to the right of the kitchen. Lily carefully stepped forward until she found herself at the door that led out to the porch. On the map was a picture of the head of a wolf.

Lily: "It's Olympus!"

Alek smiled, and nodded.

"Better let him outside before he leaves us a treasure."

Alek opened the door, and Olympus ran out, while the others followed the trail onto the covered porch. Not wanting to be left out, Olympus did his business and returned to Lily's side, licking her hand and making her giggle.

"Okay, where to next, Captain Blackbear?"

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "The adult version happens tonight."

"Oh really?"

Persephone's voice was dripping with seduction as she smiled salaciously at Alek. But Lily impatiently interrupted them, grabbing the dishes from her hands and running back over to the sink.

Alek: "Maybe we should do this every day. We'd never have to lift a finger again."

Lightly laughing before giving him one more kiss, Persephone finished up cleaning the kitchen table. Alek was teasing Lily about the map causing Persephone to come up behind her and tickle her, telling him that he created a monster. The way that he interacted with Lily made Persephone fall in love with him all over again. He truly was the best father to their children, but his relationship with their daughter was something incredibly special. Picking up Lucas, Persephone bounced him on her hip while watching Alek instruct Lily about the map. She couldn't help but smile, seeing him run his finger along the dotted path as Lily watched with eyes so filled with wonder and interest.

Lucas: "Leelee!"

Lucas was pointing to Lily as she discovered the first clue.

"That's right baby boy, your sister is on the hunt for some treasure!"

Persephone spoke sweetly to Lucas making him giggle as they both watched Lily run to the back door and let Olympus out. She began to follow Lily out onto the covered porch along side Alek - the weather still rainy and dreary.

Alek: "Okay, where to next, Captain Blackbear?"

Lily looked down at the map which had Olympus' head on it on the back porch. From there the dotted line seemed to lead to into the outdoor kitchenette area that held the grill, refrigerator, and bar.

Lily: "That way!"

Lily went running over to where the grill was looking around. Suddenly she gasped as she found a folded up piece of paper wedged between the cabinet doors.

Lily: "LOOK!"

She grabbed the note and held it up excitedly making Persephone look over at Alek with a smile.

"When did you do this?"

She whispered in awe, completely taken aback by how much Alek had planned this. Lily came running up to them and unfolded the note.

Lily: "I'm off limits! Adults only! What does that mean?"

Lily read out loud, looking up at them both confused about the clue. Persephone knelt down and pointed at the map.

"Look...the dotted line from the grill goes around in a circle and back into the house.....it seems to lead to a--"

Lily: "Book!"

Persephone smiled warmly at her, helping her with the clue without actually telling her what it meant.

"And what area of the house is for adults only that has books?..."

Lily's eyes immediately went big as she figured out the clue.

Lily: "The DEN!!"

She shrieked with excitement making Persephone's smile grow.

"You're right! It must be the den!"

Lucas began to clap his hands together with excitement as Persephone stood from her kneeling position and followed Lily back inside the house. Lily had already disappeared into the den as Persephone walked with Alek to meet her. Slipping her hand into his, she stopped him mid stride. Looking up into his eyes, Persephone smiled as Lucas reached forward and gripped at Alek's shirt while giggling.

"You're an amazing father, you know that?"

 

[Berserker]

Outside

Seph was looking incredibly sultry, especially for a mom cleaning up the lunch dishes, so he couldn't help but throw a little innuendo her way. And her words in reply may have been innocent, but the tone was far from it. The treasure would not be hidden long, that was for sure.

They all followed Lily out onto the porch (where strategically Olympus got a bathroom break), and Lily found the first clue.

"When did you do this?"

He winked at her.

"I'm just full of surprises."

Seph gently helped Lily figure out where to go next. Olympus returned to them and they bounded back inside towards the den. Even Lucas was having a good time watching all the excitement, and Olympus let out a bark, no longer able to contain it. Lily had run ahead but Seph stopped him, her hand slipping into his. She looked up at him with those big dark eyes and he could have stood there for the rest of the day just looking into them. Lucas reached out and grabbed his shirt then, which made him smile. He took the little hand in his own and gave it kisses.

"You're an amazing father, you know that?"

"Just trying to keep up with their mama."

He leaned down and kissed Seph softly on the lips, which brought Lucas just close enough to grab a fistful of beard. When, laughing, he had extricated himself from the promisingly tight grip of his baby boy, they made their way into the den after Lily. She was at the book shelf, her eyes scanning the rows. Suddenly she gasped. Between two books, a tiny piece of paper was sticking out just a little bit. She pulled on it and another note was in her hand. She turned her head and looked at the three of them with a twinkle in her eyes. She unfolded the paper and read carefully.

Lily: "I'm cold and dark until I heat up."

Lily's nose wrinkled up, and she looked down at the map for a long moment. She made a motion with her head like she was counting the steps to the next symbol.

Lily: "Fire? The fireplace!"

And off she went into the living room, and once again they all followed behind her. She scanned the fireplace, seeing nothing. It looked like she might climb inside, but Alek put a quick hand on her shoulder and shook his head. She started feeling the stones until her little fingers came upon a gap between two of them on the side.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I'm just full of surprises."

Persephone smiled at that before turning to see Lily shriek in delight at finding another clue. For centuries she never believed she would ever get to have children, and now she had two because of the man standing next to her. And for him to be their father? It was the best blessing she could have ever asked for. Lily ran by then, Olympus on her heels, before disappearing into the house and heading toward the den. Walking with Alek, she soon stopped him, taking his hand within hers. There weren't enough words to express to him how much she absolutely loved him and the fact that HE was the father of her children. So she looked at him, their eyes locked, her heart fluttering from the abyss of blue that she was being swept away in, and squeezed his hand.

"You're an amazing father, you know that?"

Alek: "Just trying to keep up with their mama."

Her smile grew as she watched Alek take Lucas' hand and kiss it before leaning in and gently kissing her. She slipped her hand out of his before placing it on his cheek. It seemed Lucas had the same idea and managed to grab a fist full of Alek's beard making them both break the kiss and Persephone gently laugh. After freeing himself, both she and Alek headed into the den to see Lily find her next clue.

Lily: "I'm cold and dark until I heat up. Fire? The fireplace!"

Lily dashed out of the den and into the living room. By the time Alek and Persephone met with her, it looked like she was about to actually climb inside.

"Lily--"

But Alek placed his hand on her shoulder and held her back, indicating that the clue was closer than she thought. Finally she reached her hand between two stones and pulled out another piece of paper.

Lily: "GOT IT!"

She said triumphantly while holding the folded paper up in the air. She quickly unfolded it.

Lily: "Oh boy...that's a lot of toys!"

Lily's brows furrowed as she looked at the note then the map. The dots were going up what looked like a staircase and she gasped in, her eyes wide as she looked at both Persephone and Alek.

Lily: "The play room!"

Persephone chuckled watching Lily run up the stairs.

"She's getting pretty good at this."

Persephone started up the stairs with Alek following behind when suddenly all they could hear was the scream of absolute excitement, joy, and jubilation. Stopping mid step, Persephone looked over her shoulder at Alek while laughing.

Lily: "DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!"

"I'm guessing she found her treasure?"

Knowing Alek he managed to fit a pony in the play room, or a unicorn....honestly, anything was possibly when it came to him and wanting to make his little girl happy.

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

He loved how inquisitive Lily's mind was - just like her mother's. A lot of kids wouldn't be excited, or take the time to do something that required thinking and moving about, but Lily was clearly having a terrific time, and Alek loved that about her. When he thought back to how his life had been just a few years before, he never would have considered children something to be proud of, or something he could consider his greatest accomplishment. But here he was, the most wonderful thing in the world to him was seeing that his daughter was smart. She didn't give up, and worked at the problem at hand until she found the next clue.

Lily: "GOT IT! Oh boy...that's a lot of toys!"

It didn't take her long to work it out, and race upstairs with a crowd on her heels.

"She's getting pretty good at this."

Alek nodded, looking after her.

"Maybe she'll be a detective."

And then he smirked.

"Or a pirate."

He let Seph go first up the steps, carrying Lucas, but it was clear that Lily was not waiting for them to look for, find, or open the treasure. Screaming could be heard coming from the playroom. Alek finished walking up the stairs to the second floor and slipped his arm around Seph's waist, walking with her and Lucas into the playroom where Lily was dancing around like a leprechaun. A small antique looking chest sat on the floor with its lid open.

Lily: "Mama! Look! There's chocolate coins inside! And dog treats for Olympus! And some blocks for Lucas! And and...LOOK!"

Lily held up a Wonder Woman doll.

Lily: "She even has different outfits! See how pretty her toga is!"

Lily hugged the doll to her chest.

"I love her..."

Lily looked up at her mother, then squinted a bit.

Lily: "She looks like you Mama!"

He shook his head.

"You're much prettier."

Alek kissed Seph's cheek, as Lily barrelled into his legs, throwing her arms around his waist in a hug. He patted her back.

Lily: "This was so much fun! THANK you, Daddy!"

"You're welcome, little cub. Why don't you show Lucas his blocks?"

Alek reached out to take him from Seph, and set him down on the floor next to Lily, who was sneaking Olympus one of his treats. As the kids played on the floor, Alek slipped his arm around Seph's shoulders.

"Not too bad for a rainy day, eh?"

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Maybe she'll be a detective. Or a pirate."

Persephone smiled over her shoulder.

"Lucas can helm the ship."

She added. After all, Lily already said he would grow up to be a fisherman, a pirate wasn't that far off. Reaching the landing of the second floor, Alek slipped his arm around Persephone's waist as they both walked into the play room to see Lily dancing around. In the middle of it was a real antique looking pirate chest filled to the brim with chocolate coins, dog treats, blocks, and a doll.

Lily: "Mama! Look! There's chocolate coins inside! And dog treats for Olympus! And some blocks for Lucas! And and...LOOK! She even has different outfits! See how pretty her toga is!"

"I see, baby! She's beautiful!"

Lily: "I love her...She looks like you Mama!"

Persephone laughed at that and shook her head knowing Alek probably picked the doll out for that reason alone.

"I'll take that as a compliment. She looks like a warrior, just like you my little bird."

Lily beamed happily as she hugged the doll to her chest. Alek then leaned in and gave Persephone a kiss on the cheek telling her she was prettier than the doll. Grinning at his flirtation, Lily then bounded over and hugged Alek thanking him for the treasure hunt and treasure. Alek then suggested that Lily and Lucas go play with what they've 'found' and proceeded to take Lucas out of Persephone's arms and place him on the floor in front of the treasure chest. He immediately began to play with the blocks while Lily sat next to him and began to dress her new doll in her battle attire.

Alek: "Not too bad for a rainy day, eh?"

Alek's arm went around Persephone's shoulder and she immediately rested her head against his.

"It's perfect."

And it was. The day had been amazingly fun and the kid were absolutely thrilled with everything they had done. And as the afternoon turned to night, the rain still hadn't let up by the time the kids were tucked into bed - Lily's new favorite doll snug against her . Olympus slept outside the gate that separated Lily's room from the hallway, and soon all was quiet in the house.

"I don't think she's going to let that doll out of her sight."

Persephone smiled as she poured herself and Alek some scotch from the mini bar in their bedroom. Turning to him, she took a sip of the alcohol as she held out the glass for him to take. The burn was deliciously sweet, warming her body.

"So..."

Her dark eyes shined mischeviously as she peered over the rim of the glass while finishing off her drink.

"You mentioned another treasure earlier?..."

Licking her lips, Persephone placed the empty glass on the marble bar top before stepping closer to Alek. Sliding her hands up his chest, she lifted a single brow while smirking coyly.

"Care to elaborate?"

 

[Berserker]

Upstairs

Alek mused about Lily using her investigation skills as a detective. Or maybe as a pirate. And he was definitely more excited about the idea of the latter.

"Lucas can helm the ship."

Alek laughed.

"We can dream."

They watched the kids play with their new toys for a while, then had their dinner. After so much excitement, both children fell asleep in their parents arms downstairs and had to be carried sleeping up to their rooms. They could still hear the rain falling onto the roof, as the house was finally still.

"I don't think she's going to let that doll out of her sight."

Alek grinned.

"Much better than another pink princess doll, right?"

He sank down into a chair in their bedroom, tired after a long day of entertaining small children. Seph went to the minibar and was pouring them drinks, which right then sounded about perfect. She handed him a glass of scotch as she took a sip from her own glass, and he gratefully accepted.

"So...You mentioned another treasure earlier?..."

He grinned, standing up once again when she set her glass down and moved towards him. When she touched him, he was pretty sure she could tell what treasure he was talking about.

"Care to elaborate?"

"Well..."

He slid his hands around her waist, pulling her body closer against his.

"It's a treasure hunt, so you're going to have to search for it."

He grinned, leaning in and kissing her lips softly.

"It's no fun if I just tell you."

His lips went to her neck, where he began to nuzzle her.

"But I'll give you a hint: it's really big."

He lifted his head.

"And you're going to want to be naked when you find it."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Much better than another pink princess doll, right?"

"Absolutely."

Why dolls had to be dressed in pink frilly dresses was beyond her, so seeing Lily with a warrior doll was a a welcomed change. Handing Alek a glass of scotch, Persephone already finished hers when she inquired about his 'treasure' he mentioned earlier. He immediately stood up with a grin that indicated this particular treasure hunt was anything but PG. Sliding her hands up his chest, he placed his glass down and reciprocated by sliding his hands around her waist.

Alek: "Well...It's a treasure hunt, so you're going to have to search for it."

"But I want it now..."

She playfully whined with a grin.

Alek: "It's no fun if I just tell you."

Alek dipped his face to her neck, his lips immediately heating up her skin and making her smile.

"You know I hate to wait..."

She teased as she bit her lip and tilted her head to the side to give him more access to her neck. Her eyes shut as she slid her hands along the sides of his muscular frame, her body already responding to his touch and game.

Alek: "But I'll give you a hint: it's really big."

"Mmm...no doubt about that.."

She purred as Alek removed his lips from her neck causing her to open her eyes and look at him.

Alek: "And you're going to want to be naked when you find it."

Persephone slid her hands from his sides to his chest once again, except this time gently pushing him back toward the chair. Once he was seat, she smiled seductively at him.

"I think I can manage that."

In one swift motion, Persephone pulled off her black long sleeved shirt over her head and discarded it onto the ground leaving her topless. Sliding her fingers between the band of her black fitted sweat pants, she slid them down her hips and let them pool to the ground, leaving her only in her black lacy cheeky panties. Her dark fiery eyes lit a path along Alek's body as she cocked up a brow.

"Hmmm...."

Walking around him to the back of the chair, she trailed her finger up his arm as she went, moving it along his shoulder blade until she was completely behind him. Sliding both hands down his chest she leaned down to him, her mouth by his ear.

"Is it....here?"

Her hands grasped his shirt and pulled it up over his head exposing his perfectly sculpted body adorn with scarring. Pressing her lips against Alek's neck, she let her tongue taste his skin as her fingers slid down the path of his scar to his abs. Using her other hand she turned Alek's head to face her, Persephone's lips brushed heatedly against his just as her hand cupped his hard dick.

"Am I getting warmer?"

She whispered between them before fully taking his mouth with hers, tasting him deeply and showing her own desire and need.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph pushed him back down into the armchair, and he licked his lips as she pulled off her shirt and pants as if she were giving him a private striptease. She really was better at it than he was sure he'd like his wife to be. He grabbed her hand, ready to pull her into his lap, but she slipped out of his grasp, trailing her hand up his body as she circled him. Her hands slid down his chest, and he could feel her hot breath on his neck as she whispered to him.

He put an arm across his chest over her arms, needing to touch whatever part of her he could.

"Seph..."

Her name contained in it his obvious need, her hands on his body turning his body on like a switch.

"Is it....here?"

She pulled his shirt off, and he raised his arms over his head to help her. Her hand was moving downward over his chest and stomach, his eyes watching its progress. But then Seph forced his head up, and her mouth was on his just as he felt her hand slide under his waistband and touch him. He moaned against her mouth while his hands reached down and undid the button on his shorts.

"Am I getting warmer?"

"You are burning up."

Their mouths met again, tasting and exploring each other. When they broke the kiss, he looked into her dark eyes for a moment before standing and pulling her roughly against him.

"But not quite there."

He kissed her hard, lifting her in his arms so her knees were on either side of him. His cock pressed against her panties as he carried her to the bed, putting her down on top of his and pinning her there with his body, his mouth not leaving hers. His hand reached down between them, tearing the thin fabric of her panties away so he could touch her deeply. He rolled his hips against her, both hands going to the sides of her face as he continued to kiss her. His body pulsed with his excitement, touching her only fueling his fire more. He buried his face in her neck.

"You feel so good...god you feel so good Seph..."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone took Alek's mouth as her own, kissing him deeply while sliding her hand under his shorts to grip his hard dick. He moaned into their kiss making her smile and part their lips.

"Am I getting warmer?"

Alek: "You are burning up."

Her hand slid up the length of his shaft while her tongue ran along his bottom lip.

"Good."

Then their mouths were connected again and Persephone could feel herself become soaked with anticipation. Alek then broke the kiss, his eyes staring into the deepest recesses of her own. It made her heart pound and breathing labored. The look he was giving her was the look she craved to see every single day. The look of absolute need and lust. He stood from the chair and Persephone rose to meet his stature.

Alek: "But not quite there."

Then he pulled her roughly against his body making her expel a heated breath of air as their bodies touched. It was taking everything she had not to come right there from the look, the touch, and the feel of him. Then he kissed her hard and with primal need. Their tongues met in a fury, exploring each others mouths as he lifted her up into his arms with ease. Wrapping her legs around his hips Persephone felt his cock pressing against the thin lace fabric of her panties and in that moment it felt more like a chastity belt than sexy lingerie. She broke the heated kiss, panting out while her hands gripped his long hair at the nape of his neck.

"Alek..."

Her tone was filled with need before her mouth found his again while he carried her over to the bed.

"I need you inside me..."

She managed to moan out, although her words could have counted as begging at this point. Finally he put her on the bed and pinned his rock hard body against hers, his mouth never leaving hers. Persephone arched herself into his body, pushing her hips against his while her arms wrapped around his back holding him close to her. She then felt Alek reach between them and tear her panties free before immediately entering her without a second spared. Persephone broke the kiss and gasped out at the feel of him fill her so completely, she moaned deeply as his hips rolled continuously against hers without pause.

"Fuck baby.."

She whimpered as his face fell into her hair and her own buried into the crook of his neck. Gripping his back with her fingers, Persephone rolled her hips to meet Alek's, her lips tasting his skin and biting his flesh.

Alek: "You feel so good...god you feel so good Seph..."

She moaned in response, panting out as the heat between them continued to rise.

"Harder..."

Her lips found his again, gripping the nape of his neck and holding him against her mouth.

"Harder baby.."

She groaned out in utter pleasure as her dark eyes locked with his, the need apparent.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

He really was a slave to her. When she touched him he'd do anything to keep her from stopping, do anything to keep her with him. No matter how many times they made love, he always wanted her again, always, forever. It was like he was drawn to her, like she was a siren whose song kept him at her feet. He could barely get words out, and her own voice betrayed a need that matched his own as he carried her to the bed.

"I need you inside me..."

"I need to feel you..."

She held him tightly against her, and he was already moving his hips before he had even torn the panties away from her body. And then he was inside her, as she had asked, his body shuddering with pleasure at the way she felt. He broke their kiss, burying his face in her hair as he thrust deep into her. He felt her own lips on his neck, and moaned at her touch.

"Harder...Harder baby..."

She kissed him again, then locked eyes with his. He held her gaze as he thrust his hips hard against her, pressing the entire length of himself inside her forcefully. He grunted as he continued to fuck her harder. Then he rolled onto his side, pulled her back against him, still thrusting hard as his hands groped her breasts and his mouth tasted her neck.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen...the sexiest..."

His head inclined so he could kiss her mouth, his tongue tasting her.

"Baby...I need to come inside you so badly..."

He started moving faster. He didn't know if he could wait - he was so hard and she was so tight. He needed to touch her, he couldn't slow down, he could only go faster as he felt the pressure building.

"Baby..."

 

[Persephone]

The way he felt inside her was like the missing piece she had been searching for her entire life. Every time felt like the first and she craved it as badly as a drug addiction. Panting out as Alek rolled his hips against her, she needed more - harder, faster - to feel him push her over the edge and scream out in pleasure. She begged for it, telling him to go harder. Their eyes were locked and she could feel her soul baring for him in those moments; the vulnerability so real that he could see the utter truth that he owned every part of her being. Persephone felt Alek begin to thrust hard against her, pushing the full length of him over and over again. With each thrust, her mouth parted with gasps which turned into audible cries.

"God..fuck...fuck!..."

Persephone's voice cracked with pleasure as a low guttural moan came low from her throat. Rolling her eyes shut, her body was so close to losing all control and her thighs were slick with the arousal Alek was causing her. She could have came right then, but Alek rolled to the side changing positions. He began to fuck her just as hard as before, holding her breasts and taking ownership of her neck. Cries of ecstasy filled the room with each connection, Persephone bending her leg and moving it forward to garner him more access.

Alek: "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen...the sexiest..."

Persephone groaned loudly at that, his words making her even wetter and her sex throb. The fact that he only wanted her and no one else - that his eyes never entertained looking at another woman - it gave her such a high. It made her believe his words were true.

"I love you...so....damn much...."

She managed to pant out before Alek's mouth was on hers and their tongues met in a heated embrace. Persephone arched her body, pushing herself back into Alek's thrusts enough to change the angle and make her body tingle.

"Fuck...fuck... i'm going to come..."

Alek: "Baby...I need to come inside you so badly..."

"I'm so close....don't stop....don't stop..."

Persephone begged between shallow breaths, her hand clutching onto Alek's arm as he began to fuck her even faster and harder. She felt herself contract around him, her sex slick and hot.

Alek: "Baby..."

"ALEK!"

The wave crashed over Persephone in that moment, taking over her body as if she were being swept away in the under current. She began to come hard, crying out loudly while her body trembled and shook against Alek in a long and all encompassing orgasm. Clawing at anything she could grip onto, all Persephone could do in that moment was cry moans of pleasure while her body rode the high. Feeling Alek come inside her, Persephone shuddered against him, her sex pulsing over and over with aftershocks.

"Baby.."

Her lips found his again, still high from what he caused her. She could feel him still hard within her; Persephone moaning into their kiss.

"You make me feel so good..."

Her tongue slid into his mouth in a slow and sensual kiss.

"I never want you to stop..."

And she didn't. She wanted him again and again, over and over and over until they couldn't fuck any longer.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

As rough as they were with each other, it was still always like making love instead of fucking. His arms held her body against him, his mouth tasting her and his cock sliding easily in and out of her, until they both came. He felt a euphoria like no drug could possibly give, and he wouldn't let her go - couldn't, because he needed to feel the touch of her skin. He felt her body tremble and jerk as he still moved against her, his mouth kissing hers tenderly.

"Baby...You make me feel so good...I never want you to stop..."

They moved slowly now, a complete departure from how they had been just moments before. His hands stroked her bare skin, their tongues entwined, taking their time in tasting each other. When they pulled apart, he kissed her lips gently once more before speaking.

"I could never stop loving you."

He couldn't imagine it, either. He would die without her, he knew that. There would be no getting over her, not ever. He gently turned her towards him and rolled onto his back so he could hold her in his arms.

"No one will ever love you more than I do. I promise you."

The heat of their bodies enveloped the two of them like a blanket. He found her hand with his own, and entwined their fingers together. For a long moment he just enjoyed the feeling of her next to him. Then he kissed the top of her head.

"Do you want another drink?"

He smiled, pushing her hair back off her face.

"Or something to eat?"