with you, I guess.”

Angel glanced at Arrow. “Is that a reward or a punishment?”

Arrow smirked. She knew the answer, and she knew that it meant it was safe now to have a little fun. “I don't think he knows that either,” she stage-whispered.

Toby produced a very contrived frown and said, “Now, I'm going to have a talk with Luna, and I'll pretend I didn't hear that little remark.”

As he walked out, both of them looked after him. Angel wasn't sure what “Dad time.” would be like. But somehow she knew that everything was going to be okay.

Angel took her punishment remarkably well. She never once complained, and she spent every free moment looking after Star almost to the point of absurdity. Luna was surprised one time to come in and find a wet trail across the floor, terminating in a sopping-wet Angel trying to push the water bowl, which by now was nearly empty, over to where Star sat. After all, Angel defended herself when Star had at last gotten her drink and Luna had finished cleaning up what she could of the mess, Star was sick because of her. So why make her move around when there was no need?

Luna had to laugh. If nothing else, it seemed Angel had at least gotten the point. Which was very fortunate. It would give the parents one less thing to worry about the next time a problem arose – which, as always, would be much, much too soon.

All characters © Dragon Tamer

Don't forget to also read Toby Recharged: Rising Star.