A Flower or a Disease? winturbine@compuall.net First let me get some stuff outta the way. All characters in here mentioned are either Disney, Buena Vista, and all those other big macho businesses in Burbank. Anyone who you don't recognize is mine. You want to use them OK just let me know. A special thanks goes out to Rei Rai for helping to make some scenes understandable. A very special thanks goes to Daylight. With out her this thing would've never gotten finished, the comas never placed, and the ending would've basically sucked. Also to P-Chan and Cookie. Thanks for not letting me get cheesy. Whatever you think, I would love to hear what you think about this story. Please e-mail me! Now........On with the story! --------------------------------------------------- Owen sat, reading the morning paper, at his desk. Occasionally, he cast a casual glance at the woman, waiting for Mr. Xanatos to call her in for her interview. Owen was impressed with her beauty. Her eyes were a deep blue, and her hair was a light shade of brown that looked as if someone had taken a crayon to it and colored it in. She looked about 5'6" to 5'7" tall and was wearing a smart purple suit with brown stockings and purple pumps to match. She was there applying for job of evening nanny. He had told Xanatos that it wouldn't be a problem to look over Alex, but Xanatos had insisted on getting another sitter. Owen was all ready doing part of the morning. Ceceil, the other nanny, came in at eleven and left at four. She was an old woman with her gray hair always pulled into a bun; she always wore a pink skirt and a blue blouse. She was also half-blind. No one else had applied for taking care of Alex so Mr. Xanatos had hired the first person who he interviewed. "Owen, you may send Ms. Van Patten in now," came Xanatos' voice from the little intercom. The girl stood, and Owen opened the door to Xanatos' office for her. When Xanatos closed the door, Owen resumed his position. After an hour, Xanatos and Ms. Van Patten came out of the room. "Violet, I'm sure you'll be a wonderful addition to our staff," said Xanatos, smiling. "Thank you. I'm sure being here will be wonderful; I bet Alexander will be charming to take care of," she said, smiling back. David nodded toward Violet, "Owen, have the staff prepare a room for Miss Van Patten --," "Violet please," she demanded softly. " -- for Violet," he amended. "I'm taking her to the nursery to meet Alex." "Yes Sir." "Maybe we can get together over coffee and talk later, Owen, get to know each other," said Violet, winking at him. Owen felt the oddest sensation that he knew her. Violet was escorted out of the room, and Owen shook the feeling off. 513 a.d. (or at least that's what they think) "Ordeysia! Give that back! You'll wreck it!" cried Puck, hovering over a rock. Ordeysia inspected the small flute. "I won't wreck it..., but have I found the Puck's weakness?" Ordeysia asked playfully. "No, and I'll never tell you my weakness -- no matter what!" "Well it was a nice flute," said Ordeysia, holding it at each end, preparing to snap it. There was a green flash, and the flute had suddenly disappeared. "Hey!" she cried. Puck stuck out his tongue and started to play. The melody was familiar to Ordeysia... She had named it: Orinoco Flow. "Oh Puck! That's my fav!" said she, floating over to him. He didn't respond, but kept playing. After the song was finished, he set the flute down, watching it carefully to make sure Ordeysia wouldn't take it again. Ordeysia put her face against Puck's, their noses touching. He looked into her striking purple eyes. "Say we'll always be together," she whispered. "A promise not even mortals can keep," he scoffed. "I, no matter what, will always be connected to you." For an answer, Puck kissed her. Ordeysia was surprised at first, but let herself be taken in. She knew that this was the answer to all her questions. 1996 a.d. (Closer to 1997 though but don't tell!) : ) "You stupid piece of sheet metal! Move it!" cried a voice from deep within the hall. When Owen went to investigate the source, he discovered it was coming from an open door four rooms down the hall. He peered inside the room and saw Violet kicking at a white chair. "Why I oughtta....!!" "Having some problems with the chair, Miss Van Patten?" asked Owen, now standing in the doorway. Violet looked up. "It's Violet, and yes; could you help me move it over there?" she pointed to another corner in the room. "It won't budge," she explained. Owen came in and helped her lift the chair to where she wanted it. "Thanks," Violet said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. She thought she saw the slightest hint of a blush on him, but there wasn't one. "If there's nothing more...," Owen muttered, ready to turn and leave. "We were never formally introduced. Violet Van Patten," she said holding out her hand. "Owen Burnett," said he, shaking the hand. "I think that's all for now," Violet smiled. "Thanks again." Owen turned and left the room. Violet closed the door and relaxed on the bed. *How quaint for such a handsome man to live in the same building* Violet thought bemusedly, and then fell asleep. Owen walked the rest of the way down the hall to the nursery to check on Alex. He felt his heart skip two beats. What was wrong with him? Was he out of his mind? Falling in love with Violet Van Patten was completely out of the question. It just wouldn't do! Oh, sure, she was a little attractive... *A little? Hello?! She's gorgeous!* yelled Puck. Yes, she was. Her brown hair, even though often tied back in a bun, was simply perfect. Owen would swear that if it was caught in the right light of the sun, it would turn gold. Her eyes were a perfect light blue, like the sky. She was a vision: simply illustrious. He opened the door to the nursery to see Alex holding onto the rails of the crib. The child's hair was wet near the temples and his eyes were red as if he had been crying. "Alexander! What's wrong?" Owen asked. "Bad dweam." "Oh?" "Some wady came and twied to take me! She was gween!" Alex whimpered. Owen picked Alex up and sat in the rocking chair. "It's all right. No green ladies are here to take you," said Owen, rocking the child in the chair, trying to fathom out what was going on. Somehow, Alex had remembered when Oberon and Titania had tried to take him. Alex had been far too young to remember such an event, but things were not all impossible with dreams. "You pwomise no gween wadies?" "Yes." "What 'bout da gurl who's eyeses change colwor?" Alex asked, looking intently into Owen's eyes. "Was she in the dream too?" asked Owen, wondering what Alex was talking about. "No!" Alex giggled. "She's Wilet!" "Violet's eyes turn different colors?" asked Owen. The child had a nice imagination. "Yes! Her eyeses were bwue ven she pwayed wiff me, ven she tucked me in an' vey turneded gween," answered Alex while giving a small yawn. "I'm sure it was nothing. Now go to sleep." Alex closed his eyes and Owen put him back into the crib. Soon it would be time to get one of those toddler beds. Alex was growing like a weed. Owen turned out the light and walked to his room. *Violet's eyes turning from blue to green? Had to be the imagination.* The next morning, Owen walked into the nursery to find Violet there taking care of Alex. "He woke up early, and I didn't think anyone would mind," Violet explained. She was sitting in a chair and holding a book. Alex was on the floor playing with a toy truck and making "vrrooming" sounds. "Not at all. Has he eaten?" "I asked him if he was hungry, but he told me no, so I let it go." "Wilet tawt me a Watin word!" said Alex looking up, his face alight. "What word?" "Intervawia!" said Alex proudly. "Intervallia?" asked Owen, not sure if Violet should be around Alex. "Yeah. She said issa part offa big phwase, but won't teach me it 'til I'm a wot oldwer -- wike ten," said Alex, starting to focus on his truck again. "Ten?" Owen questioned Violet. "More like forty," she laughed. "By then everything should be all right. He begged me to teach him something. I was sure a harmless Latin word would be Okay." She focused her attention back to Alex. "Anyway, without the other words and a certain 'gift' the word is pretty useless," she added quietly. Owen showed no sign of worry on his face but inside he was mightily distraught. If she taught Alex the rest of the phrase and gave him that "gift", if she indeed had the ability to, he was sure life would certainly go tipsy. "Alex are you hungry?" asked Owen, changing the subject. "A wittle. I wants some toast wiff jelly." "I think I could get it, if you would watch the little button," said Violet, getting up from her seat. "Pweese, Owen!" begged Alex. "All right," Owen took Violet's place in the chair as she went to get breakfast. Alex stood and ran to Owen. "Teach me somefin'! Teach me magic!" Alex pleaded excitedly. "Not now Alex." "Pweese!" Alex pleaded again. "Later this afternoon. Violet is coming back." Alex nodded. "I hope strawberry is okay," said Violet, entering the room with a plate of jelly-smeared toast balanced in her hand. Alex got up and Violet handed it to him. "Thanks," she said, looking up at Owen, giving him a warm smile in place of the kiss she would've given if Alex wasn't here. Fox walked into the room and saw Alex eating his toast happily. There was jelly everywhere. "Let's go wash you off," she said, picking him up. "I'm taking you to the zoo today!" Alex gave an excited squeal then asked, "Isn't Daddy comin'?" "He has a lot of work to do today, but maybe tomorrow we can all go to the park." "Owen and Wilet too?" "Yes, they can come, too, if they like." "I'd love to go, but I still have to unpack all those boxes," Violet explained, opening the door for Fox. "Next time then." Mother and child left. Violet looked at Owen. "Well... I guess I better get started on the boxes," she offered, starting to leave. "Alex said your eyes change color." "Oh, you know little kids like Alex. They imagine all sorts of stuff," she gave her best "oh, what fiddle-faddle!" laugh. "Even I still imagine stuff! Take the other day, for instance. I thought I saw Alex's trucks flying, but when I rubbed my eyes they weren't." "Of course." She turned to leave again, but paused halfway through the door. "Owen, do you still imagine stuff?" "No." "Not even islands where it's paradise?" "I used to. A very long time ago. Then I grew up." "Do you like Shakespeare?" she whispered in a desperate tone, turning to face him quickly. "His works are interesting." *He has to remember! I can't be wrong!* "I love A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. Have you read it?" "I'm familiar with it." "My favorite character is Puck. What about you?" she prodded. She had been so sure when she came to the Xanatos' building... "I have to get some papers to finish for Mr. Xanatos. Please excuse me." Violet held out her hands. "Let me see your hand." Owen was beginning to protest when Violet just grabbed his stone hand. She started to massage the wrist, and slowly Owen began to feel her hands massaging the stone. He looked but it was still stone. "I must go unpack. Thank you for an interesting conversation," she said coldly. Owen just stared at the empty space as he wondered what that was about. Later that night, Owen worked up the courage to visit Violet. It was nearly midnight, but he knocked on her bedroom door, anyway. There were a few moments' pause, then she opened it a crack. "Oh, Mr. Burnett!" she exclaimed quietly, and swung the door open all the way. "Do come in!" She was wearing a blue chiffony nightgown and robe, just thick enough to tease the eyes, but at the moment she seemed to have forgotten her state of undress. "I'm sorry did I wake you?" Owen asked, clearing his throat nervously. "No. I was reading. Come on in." She stepped aside to let Owen in. Sitting on the bed, she gave a slight motion that he could sit next to her, but he chose to sit in a wooden chair next to the door. There were a few minutes of awkward silence. Owen cleared his throat a few times and shifted in the chair uncomfortably, trying to look everywhere but at Violet. Violet, for her part, tried to find a comfortable position to sit in on the bed while trying to figure out a way to cover herself up without looking like an idiot. Both tasks were hopeless. "I'm sorry about how I acted today," she blurted suddenly, giving up. "It's just that I need a grown-up discussion sometimes. Alex is a splendid conversationalist for someone his age, but is lacking in some regards..." she trailed off. "I am sorry as well," Owen said, breathing a little easier, but he was still having difficulty finding a comfortable position. "I should've answered your question. I like Puck as well." "What did you used to do before working for Mr. Xanatos?" Violet asked, wrapping her fingers around her crossed knees. "I worked for Mr. Reynard: Mrs. Xanatos' father," Owen answered matter-of-factly, focusing on Violet's nose and trying not to look at anything else. "Oh! I think I've met one of his workers! A Mr. Vogel... Preston, if I remember correctly." "Ah, yes. He and I have met." There was another awkward pause. Owen noticed the intricate design on the duvet cover of Violet's bed and focused on that. Violet gazed at Owen's silky blond hair. She repositioned herself closer to the edge of the bed. Owen's safe design spot was now covered by Violet's lower body. *Shapely legs,* Puck thought, *trim waist, firm --* Owen looked up to Violet's eyes quickly, "What did you do before you came here?" "Oh, I was here and there," she answered, relaxing. She leaned back on her arms and began to list her previous jobs. "I worked for the FBI for a while, then I was transferred to the CIA. That tired me after a while, so I retired and decided to do a little traveling. I went to Europe for a few years. Paris, to be exact. I studied at the Sorbonne, then I came back to the States. I heard Mr. Xanatos was looking for a nanny, and I thought 'Well, I like kids... why not?'" "You've been busy," Owen blinked, now genuinely impressed with the girl. Violet nodded and let out a yawn. Owen began feeling uncomfortable again. "I must be going. It's late...." "I understand. Do you dream of paradise?" she asked quickly. "I'm afraid I don't understand the question," he said, raising himself slowly out of the chair. "Do believe in an Avalon?" He considered a moment. "I used to, once. A long time ago. Then I just decided there is no paradise." "How sad for you," Violet fairly whispered, standing, too. "Don't give up so easily. Paradise is still out there." She walked over to Owen and brushed her lips against his. "Good night, Mr. Burnett," she breathed, resting her forehead on his chin for a moment, then she returned to her bed and slipped under the covers to sleep. Owen simply walked out. "But Owen! I swear her eyeses changes colwor!" cried Alex, looking up from his Lego. "Alex, Violet's eyes do not change color. It is highly impossible," Owen insisted firmly. "Oh?" asked Violet, entering the room with Alex's lunch; it was Ceceil's day off. "Wilet! Show Owen your twick!" begged Alex. "I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about." "Change your eyeses!" "Alex! I can do no such thing. Now eat your lunch." Alex dejectedly sat at the small table and began eating his sandwich. "He's been ranting about your eyes for weeks," Owen confided. "So I've heard. I don't know where he got such a preposterous idea. I've known, myself, for over 6 -- I mean, well... I know myself, and I know my eyes don't change color," Violet said, setting down the tea tray. "Alex, who gave you that idea?" asked Owen. "The lady wiff silvwer hair," said Alex picking up his glass of milk. "Silver hair?" Violet asked curiously, then turned and asked Owen, "One lump or two?" "One, please," he answered, then turned to Alex and asked, "Silver hair? When did this happen?" "The first night Wilet was here. Fwee wadies came in. One was bwonde, the other had bwack hair, and the other one had silvwer. An' she ses vat Wilet issa Fae in disguiseded an' dat I should tell Mommy and Daddy." "Have you?" Owen asked. "No. Dey wouldn't beweeve de wadies." Owen looked at Violet. "Alex eat your lunch. I'm going to talk with Violet." Owen escorted Violet into the hall just outside the door. "Do you know who he is talking about?" Owen asked tightly. Violet bit the inside of her lip. She had been so sure he was him! She had thought she had found Puck... How could she have been wrong? Fear played in her eyes. Finally she nodded her head yes. "Who are you?" he asked. "My name is Ordeysia; I am a Fae... And I'm looking for someone. I know this seems highly unlikely but I'm... I'm looking for Puck." Violet let her shoulders droop and she looked at the floor ashamedly. "I don't mean to cause any trouble," she added. "Ordeysia?" "Yes?" Violet looked up. "It's me!" whispered Owen. Violet started to smile then took Owen's hand. He changed to Puck. "Why are you looking for me?" "I've come to restore part of your powers. Titania said I could do it if you'd like." Violet smiled from ear to ear. "I'd like." "Ventus ex flamma audire meus clamor nunquam sinere meus amare mori," she said quietly, her human disguise fading away. A blue bolt came from her hands and encircled Puck. Slowly, it faded, too. "You are restored. You can do basic parlour tricks but nothing big, like changing gargoyles to humans and the like." "Thank you," he whispered. He placed his mouth over hers and wrapped his arms around her waist. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. The door opened behind them. "Uncle Puck, are you kissing Wilet?" Alex asked, hugging a brown teddy bear. Puck turned to face Alex and the child saw, not Violet, but a brown haired girl wearing a purple tunic with a orange toga over it and brown knee-high boots. Her eyes were the funniest color -- purple. "Wilet?" Alex asked, a little flustered. "Ordeysia, actually," she laughed good-naturedly, undoing the bun in her hair so it fell to it's full length about her waist. "Are you fwum Gwamma's howse, twoo?" Alex asked, smiling. Ordeysia looked at Puck, who nodded. "Guess so, Button!" "Wet's go twell Mommy!" the toddler giggled. "Is that wise?" Ordeysia asked nervously. "We might as well," Puck said, and they made their way to Fox's office. "Come in!" called Fox from her desk as she looked over some bills. The trio shuffled into the office. "Yes?" she asked, looking up, then gave a short gasp when she saw who was in front of her. Puck wasn't a big surprise but who was the girl? "Um.. Hi, Mrs. Xanatos," Ordeysia laughed nervously. "I'm Violet, the girl you hired to take care of Alex. Well, uh... it turns out I'm actually Ordeysia... your Mom's conversationalist." "Uh huh. Have you told David yet?" Fox asked. "Well, we were thinking of it..." Ordeysia said. Fox pressed an intercom button. "David, could you come here a moment? I want you to see something." "So, what does a conversationalist do?" David Xanatos asked, leaning on Fox's desk, looking at the two Fae seated there acting as if they had just broken a window. "I keep my... um... well, in my case, Lord and Queen, company. I tell them stories; I sing; I play the piano. You know, when they don't want comedy like Puck, they call me and I give them a different source of entertainment," Ordeysia explained. "Didn't Oberon collect all of his 'children', though?" Fox asked. "Oh, yes. Of course he did, but when he couldn't find me, he gave up. Titania didn't. She found me and told me to go home. I told her no, that I wanted to stay here. The world is full of history, and I wanted to learn all about it. So she let me stay as long as I go back home once in a while. I'm not due back for another century, so I thought I'd look for Puck. It was quite simple. Peaseblossom told me, and since you were looking for a new nanny, I thought who better than me?" Ordeysia explained, ending with a bright smile. "I won't be any trouble, and I'll take good care of Alex," she added. "Pweese!" begged Alex. Fox looked at David for a moment. "Of course," she said. "Hooway!" cried Alex, hugging Ordeysia. Puck looked at Ordeysia with a good-natured evil in his eyes. "Alex! Wanna go to the park?" Ordeysia asked, changing to Violet and standing up. "Yes!" Alex cheered, and he ran out of the room. "Thank-you, Mr. and Mrs. Xanatos. You'll be pleased," Violet assured, turning to look at them. She touched Puck's wrist who changed back into Owen. Violet went after Alex. "Well, Owen! you never told us you had a girlfriend!" David grinned. "With all respect, sir, she is not my girlfriend, but thank-you for letting her stay, all the same," Owen asserted, starting to leave. David smiled. He knew that if Owen wasn't the Ice King, he would be smiling too. Owen neatly put his shoes and socks away as he listened to Violet complain about the day. "I never knew Alex could be such a handful! I swear that boy causes more trouble than... well... you! He must've changed at least eight humans into Gargoyles and then... well, I won't go into specifics but I'll bet you've taught him every joke in the book," Violet laughed, her eyes following Owen. "I try my best," he replied starting to unbutton his shirt. "Let me help," said Violet, stepping to Owen's side and unbuttoning the second button. Owen took his hands away as she moved down to the third and then fourth button. His heart skipped a few beats. He took off his glasses and Violet placed them on the dresser. When she was done with his shirt, she hung it on hanger in the closet. "You look stiff," she said, smiling, "let me loosen you up." She touched his wrist and he changed into Puck just as she transformed into Ordeysia. Puck smiled and picked her up. He carried her to the bed and laid her down; planting little kisses on her neck. "I've been missing you." "You have?" "Of course. I'd thought I'd never see you again." "I guess your right," she replied, trying to pull her tunic off. Puck took it off for her. Ordeysia smiled and other articles of clothing started to come off both persons. Puck kissed the valley between her breasts and she ran her hands up his back. Kissing her gently up her neck to the edge of her jaw, Puck, his right hand behind Ordeysia's back, brought his left hand up along her hip, across her abdomen, and just grazed her breast. Touching her jaw, he pulled her face forward to meet his. He kissed her gently at first, then harder and with more passion. She ran her hand through his hair and took some initiative, thrusting her tongue between his lips and into his mouth. She sat up slightly, pressing her breasts onto his bare chest and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight. She broke the kiss a moment and pushed him away, gasping for breath. Her pulse was racing and her heart was thundering in her ears. She looked at him only a moment, then pressed her lips to his again. She felt lightheaded and giddy. Running her hands up and down along his back, she contemplated her next move. With a slight giggle, she ran her hand down again and goosed him. He jumped and pulled his face away from her, raising a questioning eyebrow. She laughed out loud, tossing her head back in gaiety. When their eyes met again, she smiled lovingly. He wiggled his eyebrows and made low, guttural noises in his throat. Grinning from ear to ear, he lay her gently down again. She led his hand up to her breast, and he kissed her hard. She put more pressure on his hips and he smoothly slid into her. She gasped at this old experience, arching her back; he pressed into her more, and she felt a fire within her spread. He slowly lifted himself to an acute angle and pressed on the tips of her ears. She gasped as he went even farther. She turned a little, the touch on her ears driving her wild. She tried to look into his eyes but only saw a light green. It didn't matter. She touched the tips of his and he sat up some more. Very slowly she started to rock and a rhythm began between the two. He kissed her lower lip and gently bit her neck as they rocked faster. Ordeysia watched as the green got darker. She felt both pressure and electrical currents between them. They were hitting a climax. She was ready to cry out when his lips crashed into hers. She drank the air from him, their tongues all most meeting at the back of each others throat. As the currents began to die down, she flipped him and sat up as best she could. He looked at her illuminating purple eyes. He placed his hands on her waist and slowly brought her down, kissing and nipping at her stomach and breasts. She kissed him, then sat up again and had him place his hands on her waist. His lower palm felt her hipbone as it went out and then contracted. He ran his hands up her spine as far as he could and she sat up straight, stimulating the both of them. When she lay back on top of him, he bit her neck and the tips of her ears. Her abdomen and hips went forward as her chest and head went back. An extremely loud pleasurable gasp escaped her mouth. He gently pressed on her lower abdomen with one hand and pressed the tip of her left ear with the other. He knew that both spots would drive her over and it did. She practically moaned out, "Oh Puck! Again!" He smiled and chuckled at this. Once again he pressed on her lower abdomen and touched both ears. She grabbed the tips of his ears, twisted her lower body a bit and ever so gently slid in and out repeatedly. They both opened their mouths in a silent moan of ecstasy. Finally, she put all her weight onto his hips and gave in to him completely, sated from the power within. They laid on their sides, both sweating, which was amazing because fae didn't sweat. They looked into each others eyes, too tired to say anything. Finally Puck began to gently bite her neck again. She placed her hands on his back. "Not for four days again love. We have other things." "I know. But tonight, tonight is ours." She brushed her hands through his hair. "One more go?" half pleaded Puck. "okay." Ordeysia's head and hand rested on Puck's chest as he ran his fingers through her hair. "Ordeysia?" "Hmmm?" she mumbled, still half asleep. "Marry me." She opened her eyes. "Why?" she asked, not really needing a reason, having known her answer before he'd asked the question. In her heart she had always been his. "So we'll always be together." "You mean immortally?" "Yes," answered Puck. When immortals said they were together, that was it. Mortals had to make a celebration out of it. "All right," she replied after a moment. In her heart she secretly rejoiced at his final admittance to their now-official immortal bond. She fell asleep again, content, and Puck did the same.