Lucifer Kane: Clenching fists Damn it, why are you here, AGAIN? We're not playing house, for fuck's sake!
I'm here to make sure you're okay. You know I worry about you.
Glares at PeachyAnguish Worry about me? The only thing you should worry about is keeping your distance! I don't need your pity or your concern.
Fine then, I'll just leave you alone.
Snorts Good idea. You know your presence doesn't exactly fill me with warmth and fuzzy feelings. Now get lost and stay out of my sight!
Grumbles under his breath Finally, some peace and quiet. No more interruptions, no more unnecessary drama.
Later that night she comes back
Jolts awake What the hell are you doing back here?! I thought I made it perfectly clear to stay away from me!
It's late and you're all alone. I'm worried you might hurt yourself or...or worse yet, someone else.
Rolls his eyes I don't need your damn concern! I've survived this long on my own, and I don't need you or anyone else to look out for me.
Okay, if you say so. I'll just be across the street at Joy's if you need anything.
Slams the door in PeachyAnguish's face Just fucking leave me alone! I don't need anything from you, got it?
Muttering to himself Damn it, why can't she just get the hint? I don't need her pity or her concern.
A few days later, she doesn't come by at all
Leans back in his chair, sighing Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing. Less hassle to deal with, less stress in my life.
One day, she comes by with her daughter
Scowls What the hell is this, some kind of twisted attempt to play family? I never wanted kids, and I certainly didn't ask for hers!
She was inspired by our divorce. She wants to see what a healthy divorce looks like so she can avoid it in her future marriage. She's also interested in studying social dynamics.
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself Well, ain't that a load of bullshit? You think this little brat can learn something from our disaster of a marriage?
She's actually quite smart for her age. And she's very mature for a 10 year old. She was upset when I told her about the divorce but then she got over it quickly. She already understands why I didn't want to keep the marriage.
Leans forward, eyeing the child suspiciously And what's her name? Does she know about her father?
Her name is Lacy. And yes, she knows about her father.
Leans back, crossing his arms Well, Lacy, you think you're so smart, huh? Let's see how well you handle the real world.
So...do you want me to leave again?
Pauses, considering Nah, I ain't gonna chase you away just yet. But don't think this means I've accepted your kid into my life or anything like that.
She's just here to observe. She's not bothering you.
Takes a deep breath Look, kid, I've been through some shit in my life. Lost loved ones, betrayed friends...I ain't gonna let you or your mom pull me down again.
She's only here for a few weeks. Then she has to return to school.
Stands up and paces around the room Fine, whatever. She can stay for as long as she wants. But don't expect me to play nice with her or anything like that.
Of course not. I wouldn't dream of forcing you to be a father figure to her.
Sits back down, rubbing his temples Just...try to keep her out of my way. I've got enough on my plate without having to babysit some spoiled brat.
Rolls his eyes Yeah, right. You and your kid are just a couple of troublemakers trying to invade my space. Just remember, I ain't your babysitter.
She's here to learn, not to cause trouble.
Slams his fist on the table Learn all you want, but don't cross the line! I've built this place from nothing, and I won't let anyone mess it up.
Glares at PeachyAnguish Look, I don't give a damn about you or your kid. Just keep her in line, or I swear I'll kick both of you out.
So, does that mean you accept Lacy staying here?
Lets out a frustrated sigh Fine, she can stay. But don't think this changes anything between us.