"Bloodties." Hayden, I hope this does it justice. The Song by Christina Aguilera

By Morning

It had been less than 48 hours but it seemed more like a lifetime. Zoey was finally safe and sound. The small fragile gift that had exploded on to their lives was now sleeping soundly nestled in her father's arms.

Vinnie sat gazing down at the little bodied that sleep holding tightly to the old teddy she was able to salvage from her former life. How could such a little person take up so much room in his heart? He knew his life had taken on a whole new meaning. He thought that his love for Charley was some what of a phenomenon but this was beyond any words, any expressed emotion.

Charley was exhausted the emotional strain was enough on it's own to have destroyed most women. But then again his Charley was not like most women. Vinnie smiled as her looked across the hall to Charlie's room seeing her finally getting the much need sleep she'd been denied through the whole ordeal of rescuing their daughter.

"Vinnie you comin' it's getting kind of late?" Throttle whispered from the entrance of Zoey's bedroom door.

"No I think I'll bunk down on the couch tonight. I just can't leave them yet. I need to stay and make sure that….. that….they…well…you know." Vinnie stammer not exactly knowing what he wanted to say or how to put it.

"It's okay bro, I understand. We'll see ya tomorrow then?"

"Yeah and Throttle, thanks. You guys know how much we appreciate your helping us get her out. "Vinnie said not taking his eyes of his sleeping daughter."

"Sure bro. What is it you always say, " Hey we're hero's it's what we do." Throttle smiled needing to leave before his emotions got out of hand and they did something un-macho, like hug.

Vinnie turned his attention back to the sleeping miracle that had held tightly to his hand even in her sleep. He brushed a few lost strands of white and brown hair from her eyes noticing the smile that filled her tiny face as she felt his hand brush across her skin.

"My daddy." She said in a hazy little voice, like she was somewhere between twilight and reality. Her half-sleepy green eyes looking up at him for a brief moment.

"Yes baby your daddy." He whispered as he lean down to kiss her reassuringly on the forehead. Zoey turned contently releasing his hand to completely engulf her faithful old friend but still snuggling close to the warmth of her father.

As he continued to watch her words began to form and a soft melody played in his mind. Not that he would have ever admitted to even listening to such music but this was something that settled in his heart, said how he felt about the new life that, along with her mother, had become his reason for existing.

Funny to think as much as she will depend on him. He will need to lean on her.

That now his emotional center will be resting on such tiny shoulders.

Other than Charley she will be what keeps him going. Making him try even harder to make the world, this one and his own, a place where she can always sleep safe.

"Rest well my little Jaziar." (If translated from Martian would mean whence comes my life) He says as the almost invisible tear traces down his cheek.

The End

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