Gabe's POV

I have no fucking idea what triggered her slip this time - was it just a sub-drop that went a bit deep? At least this time she wasn't hysterical. Quite the opposite actually, she was like Luke on a fucked up sugar rush. She was bouncing on the couch when Kota and Nate came in.

"Kitten, why are you jumping on the couch?" Kota asked her in a sharp tone.

She stopped and turned to him wide-eyed, "I sorry, Kota, I just need to bounce." She twisted at the shirt I'd given her to wear. He crooked his finger at her and held out a box. She let out a squeal and ran towards him. "Is that for me?" she asked, jumping up and down with excitement.

He and Nate shook their heads, "We thought you might like something comfy to sleep in," Nate said as she tore the box apart. Her scream was ear-shattering as she hugged the clothes to her, then held them out for all of us to see. They had gotten her a pair of shorts and shirt set of pajamas that had a kitten on the front with the word meow written all over it. But what had her excited was the top had a hood with kitten ears.

Before anyone could say a word, she stripped in the middle of the room and put on the pajamas, then stood rubbing her fingers over the soft fabric as she giggled. She threw her arms around Kota and then Nate, "Thank you, thank you, thank you," she babbled. It was adorable.

Nate scooped her up in his arms as she kicked playfully, "Come on, little one, let's get comfy and watch a movie." We all settled in with our pizza and sat watching our little girl as she sang along to Tangled.

I saw Kota nod his head at me, and quietly followed him to the kitchen. "So any idea what made her slip?" he asked.

"No. I've been wracking my brain and can't think of a fucking thing," I replied. "After the group chat, she and I fooled around. I mean, yeah, I called her my little girl and we did the whole Daddydom thing, but fuck, nothing rough or triggering. She started to drop and then passed out." I ran my hand over my face. "Kota, I was so scared something was wrong, I freaked the fuck out and called Luke. We got her into the limo and I was going to take her to Sean when she woke up and was little again."

Kota seemed to ponder what I'd said, then finally spoke. "Maybe, she just feels comfortable and safe enough to let herself go around us. I mean, she doesn't seem to be upset like last time, right?"

"Not really. She hasn't mentioned anything bad like last time. She's got a fuck ton of energy this time. I think she might even wear out Luke," I laughed.

"So what do you think about this weekend? I know we don't trust Jackson, but what about his wife?" Kota asked.

"I haven't found anything yet," Victor said as he came into the room. "There really isn't much on either of them other than some information from law school and their recent lives."

"That's fucking odd," I added. "Did she hire them or her husband?"

"I'm not sure. I can't access her work files and I haven't asked." He gave a sheepish look, "Her code is fucking crazy - like Corey-level shit. I don't know who she hired but it's insane, and I can't hack it."

I snorted in surprise. If he can't hack it, it must be good. I've only known a handful of systems he couldn't take down, like some in the Academy and Crescent. "Maybe we should just fucking ask her," I suggested.

"I think we should as well," Victor added. "I'd feel better if she gave us access to her surveillance as well."

Kota nodded, "I think we all would, but I'm not sure if that is more invasive than she's ready for. We can be a bit overbearing at times. I worry we might smother her."

"Well, I might have some insight into that," Victor said. "When we were out to dinner, she mentioned that she always wanted her private life to be submissive. She actually likes how we order for her and want to take care of her. She said that sometimes she just doesn't understand why we think she's worth it."

"Damn, her father really did a number on her," I grumbled. I really wanted to punch the fucker. "I'm sure losing her husband set her back too."

They both agreed. Kota started to speak but we suddenly heard a loud squeal from the family room and the sound of breaking glass. Sharing a worried look we bolted toward the room. Marissa was cradled in Silas's arms as he held her hand gently while Luke was trying to wrap a towel around it. "What the fuck happened?" I said crossing the room.

She sniffled, "I'm sorry Daddy, I didn't mean to, please don't be mad at me." Her entire body was shaking like she thought I was going to fucking punish her.

I knelt in front of her, being careful to avoid the shards of glass on the floor. "Love, it's okay, it was a glass, you are more important than a glass," I told her softly, stroking her face. "Just keep your eyes on me while Luke cleans your cut, okay, baby?" She nodded and whimpered as he dabbed at her hand with the washcloth.

"I think we need to take her to Sean," Luke said quietly. Silas and I nodded, as Owen went to get the car and Kota came with a robe to wrap her in.

"Baby, we're gonna go see Sean, okay?" I explained. "He'll make your hand feel better." She sniffled and cuddled into Silas's chest, but didn't speak.

Group text: (minus Marissa) Owen: Sean we are coming to the hospital with Marissa. A glass shattered and she cut her hand. Luke thinks there is still glass in the cut. She's in little space right now so can we bring her in the back?

Sean: I'll notify the desk nurse. Bring her to my office and I'll have a tray set up. Is everyone coming?

Gabe: Yes - she acted afraid like I was going to fucking punish her.

North: She hasn't let go of Silas since the glass broke. I'm not sure if the cut or the sound of the glass scared her more.

Sean: Kota, do you think I should ask your mom to step in?

Kota: I'd rather you didn't. I'm not sure how Marissa would react to that especially being in little space. We already know she's self-conscious about it.

Sean: Good point

North: Nate just pulled into the lot. On our way up.

****

Her eyes went wide when we stepped into the hospital. "Why are we here?" she whispered to Silas.

"It's okay, agápi, Sean works here. He's going to clean your hand up," he told her. She looked like she wanted to bolt, but she stayed in his arms, her little kitty ears standing up straight as she let the hood fall over her eyes.

We made our way to Sean's office, all of us lining the walls as Silas sat on the couch with her. Luke stayed close to her with an expression of hurt. "I'm so sorry little one," his voice scratchy, "I should have gotten your Cinderella cup." I could see the tears building in his eyes.

"It's not your fault, LuLu. I broke it," she mumbled. "Fater says I never pay attention. My fault."

Silas pressed a kiss to her head, "It wasn't anyone's fault. The glass slipped." They both looked at him and nodded.

Sean burst through the door with a wide grin, "There's my favorite patient, or should I say kitty?"

Marissa's eyes lit up and she cried out, "Seany!" She held her hand out, "Make the owie stop pwease."

He kissed her forehead and sat down next to them, "Let me take a look." Gently unwrapping her hand, he moved a lamp to get better lighting and began to softly palpate the skin around the cut. She whined and winced. "Sorry my little bug, I need to see if there is any more glass in the cut, but it looks like LuLu did a great job cleaning it out." You could hear Luke let out a sigh of relief. "I'm going to put some stuff that feels like water on your cut then you can pick out your own bandage."

Luke held the bowl under her hand as Sean poured the antiseptic over her hand. She made a squeaking noise and tried to pull her hand back, but Sean held it in place. "Almost done little bug," he crooned as he patted her hand with a clean cloth. He showed her two bandages - one with blue sparkles and the other with rainbows. She pointed to the sparkly one and he gently wrapped it around her hand. "There, all better." She launched herself into his arms, peppering his face with kisses as she thanked him. We all broke out laughing at her enthusiasm. "I think I like being paid in kisses," Sean chuckled.

She leaned her head against his shoulder, "Are you coming home with us, Seany?"

He sighed, "I'm sorry, little bug, I have to work some more." She stuck her lip out in a pout and huffed. "I hear you have a friend coming over tomorrow. Are you excited?"

She nodded, "Chloe is going to have a sleepover. We are going to set up blankets for the boys and she will sleep in the spare room. I have lots of ice cream."

"Is it okay if I call and check on you tomorrow, little bug?" He asked her, "I want to make sure your hand isn't too sore."

She looked up at him, "I'd like that." The look on her face was pure adoration. She played with the lapel of his white doctor's coat as she sat on his lap. His arms were wrapped around her, his chin resting on her head. He let out a sigh as he looked up at the clock.

"Beautiful girl, Sean has to get back to work now," Owen told her, moving to pick her up. "We should get you home and tucked into bed." She wrapped her arms around Sean's neck and kissed his cheek, then whispered something in his ear that made him smile and tear up. He whispered back to her and kissed her forehead before handing her to Owen.

I stopped him just before we left the room, "What did she say to make you cry?"

He gave me a wide smile, "She said she loved me." I'll be damned.

Author's Notes: Aww, she loves him.