As soon as Val was dressed and in his playpen, Filia sat down heavily and held her face in her hands. As she thought about the way she had acted at bathtime, she blushed once again. How embarrassing! She couldn't believe that she had acted so childishly and with Xelloss, no less! Hearing the door open, she glanced up to see Xelloss entering the room. Carefully avoiding eye contact, she murmured, "Watch Val until I get back," and hurried from the room.
Xelloss gazed after Filia until he heard a small yawn. He turned and couldn't resist smiling at Val's cute, tired expression. He plucked the child from the playpen without further thought and carried him over to the rocking chair by the window.
Within minutes, both Mazoku and child were asleep.
Filia frowned as she dried and combed her hair. Absolutely nothing about caring for Val seemed to faze Xelloss, not in the least! She had thought that Xelloss would give up and leave her and Val alone, but he seemed all the more determined to stick around, after everything she put him through. What would make him go away?! She huffed in frustration and headed to the nursery.
Entering the nursery, she was about to demand that Xelloss leave when she happened to glance at him holding her sleeping son. Both the Mazoku and the baby had such contented looks on their faces. Filia softened. Okay, maybe Xelloss could stick around. But, only for a little while longer....
Chapter 9 | Fanfiction