Datharsi:

"D'tharsee~" he picks up the girl and holds her close, but not before planting a kiss on her cheek. The vampire holds her snugly against himself, one hand in her hair, too. "My lil' sweet heart. R'member when you called me 'dad'? It migh've been an accident. But it still makes me happy. My lil' girl."

Lohren:

Lohren knelt on front of the little child, any trace of his usual frown was completely gone. Only a gentle, if a bit concerned, look was present. “I wish you no harm, little one. I want to help you.” He spoke softly, not wanting to scare the child.

The older mer knelt down in front of him. Papa never did that. Papa always stood up really tall to be scary. This mer looked nicer than Papa, though.

Dalamus knew that Papa would be mad at him for wandering away. But he didn't know where he was! It didn't look like home at all. And it was cold. And he didn't like it.

When he heard the voice, Dalamus turned and almost thought it was his Papa, slight fear flashing in his eyes, but it wasn't his Papa. It was someone else. Someone else's Papa? Was he mean like Dalamus' Papa?

(( YES ))

He bared his fangs. "How dare you accuse me! I am not using them! E'hla is my dear love and Datharsi is my daughter. Sasin is my sister and Thea is my friend.. I think. Maybe not after what I did to her.."

He shook his head and continued his reply. "If I was using them, I would have.. tossed them aside.. by now.."

No you wouldn't. Not as long as they continued to give you what you want. They give you attention. All the attention you ever wanted, and all the attention you never got as a child. They make you feel happy, like you're not a monster when you are. You're using them to make you feel good about yourself because you cannot manage it on your own. Admit it.