MEG'S POV
"Saturday morning cartoons."
"Going to the zoo."
"Building a fort with blankets and chairs."
"Staying up late."
"Sneaking out late."
I smiled at that, considering my next idea. Alfons and I had been at this since midnight, when he claimed he couldn't stand being away from his sister any longer. I was his sister after all. I didn't mind if he woke me up in the middle of the night.
"You missed out on seventeen years of bothering me," I'd said, beaming, patting my bedsheets. "Don't be shy."
After last night, Al brought me back to his appartment. Well, he and Vic's.
Vic was a very...friendly man. I swear I was hugged about ninety-seven times. His blonde hair, containing low lights of brown and grey, was messy and looked as if he had just walked out of bed. Tan, course, muscled skin covered his tall body. He was still rather lean while also looking very strong. He had a sweet smile and a voice that was neither tenor nor bass. Very hard to explain. Very beautiful.
He'd fed me and shown me to a room in their ratty apartment. Mahoganny wood floors filled with splinters, one window over the sink. Wood paneled walls with dark ugly wall paper. Floral print sofas. This was a disaster from the seventies that no one had bothered the fix. Of course, two men living in an apartment didn't really solve any problems.
Al had come into my room later, and we were full circle. Now, he and I were playing a game.
"This just left me wondering what I'd missed out on. All the things siblings do, would I have done them with you?" He'd asked. It became a little game. Our hands were laced together, and we'd take turn kissing the other's palm and saying what we'd do next.
"Go on a double date," I replied. He cocked his eye brows.
"We could do that now, schwester!" He blushed and covered his mouth with his free hand. "Sister," he corrected. I smiled.
"I know what that's like," I said, wrapping my arms around him. "Two languages. It gets to a point where they just blur together. So, in my head, Al, you'd be my petit frère."
He smiled sadly at me. "I can't believe I didn't know about you. Growing up alone..."
He looked away. "Al, that must've been horrible, all alone..."
"Well, you were too," he said, looking up, sad blue eyes trying to mimick the false smile on his lips, but failing.
"Al, maybe I was alone, but it wasn't for long. I had a mother at least. Al...you never had that."
He shruged. I had a grandmother and grandfather who loved me. Meg...how old were you when your father left? Er, our father?"
I looked away. "I was six. He knew about you four years before he left. Probably five if he was there while your mom was pregnant."
"My mom left the second she had me. Do you think she's on her own then, and not with your father?"
I winched. I hated how he was my father. Al really needed to catch himself.
"I don't know. When I was six or so, I caught my dad with a prostitute. Unless your mother was latino, this wasn't your mom."
He looked down. "I hate him," he whispered.
I stared, tears forming behind my eyes, bluring my sight. "Al..."
"I do! It was one thing when he left me! But finding out he left my mom...he left you? Verdammt!" Al continued to murmur what I assumed wher German obsenities to himself. "How could any one leave something as sweet as you, Meg? I don't understand..."
I was shocked as Al barreled forward, clutching me as he sobbed. Sobbed. Full on shaking, snot-nose, squint face. I held Al, emotionless. He looked up at me.
"Don't you want to cry, too?" he asked, a little German creeping into his voice?
I smiled sadly. "I've done my share of crying. Besides, I'm the big sister. Big sisters aren't supposed to cry."
Al smiled sadly at me, before taking my hand again, and kissing it lightly.
"Baking cookies, and eating the dough."
Knock, knock
Al and I turned, sitting up in the bed. Vic lent me a pair of his pajamas, which I felt extremely awkward in, but man, they were freaking soft.
Vic peeked his head in, smiling.
"Sorry if I woke anyone up, but I made waffles, and they are way better hot."
Al and I shoved waffles down our throats, and I can't remember a time when I ever ate this much. Food in Paris was a little tricky, but you had to know where to go (I didn't) and the same went for London. Plus, portions were way smaller than American sizes.
But may I say, Vic knew how to cook. Like, amazing.
"So, Mr. Mignogna-"
"Meg," he said, wipping his hands on his apron and shoving it away,"Call me Vic. I am your cousin--by affair, of course."
I laughed, choking on Vic's amazing food, swallowing before continuing my sentence.
"Vic, you never told me what you did for a living."
He beamed at me. "Miss Giry, I am so glad you asked."
He ran for his bedroom, before coming back, dragging a huge box.
"I," he said, undoing a lock. "Am an automail mechanic."
"Automail?" I asked.
"Yeah," he said, opening the lid. I stifled a scream.
"Relax! Relax, they aren't real," Al assured.
"I'm glad she thinks they are, though. I strive to be real," Vic wiggled his eyebrows. "Well?"
"What are they?"
The box contained what appeared to be human limbs of different length and width. Skin stretched over them appeared greyish and pale. I saw bits and pieces of thing though--wires and metal.
"Automail," Vic told me, pulling an arm out of the box. "See, when you lose a limb, you still have muscle in a thigh or shoulder. Your brain still sends out these signals in a reflex. These machines take those signals, and turn them into movements, just like your arms or leg would."
Al smiled. "I don't pretend to understand it, but I'm glad he does what he does."
Nessa...
"The Rocket Boy doesn't understand automail..." Vic sighed. "There's no hope for the future of America..."
"Vic, you're only twenty-six! Don't like you're old and wise on me!" Al laughed.
I stared at Al as Vic dragged the heavy box back. "Rocket Boy?"
Al scratched his head sheepishly. "I...I graduated early. I plan to go out to MIT next year. They won't take me in now, not until I'm 18, but I really want to be a rocket scientist." He looked up at me through those eyelashes. "Nerdy, right?"
I stared at him. "I'm the only blonde in a law school dorm, and the youngest person in the FBI. Don't you dare think you're nerdier than me," I said, punching his arm.
"How can I repay you--"
Al looked down at my glowing pocket, and I swore in French.
"What?"
"It's a text from my friend. I have to go to work."
Al's smile faded. "Can I take you?"
"Can you drive?" I teased.
He blushed. My eyes widened.
"Al!"
"I'm an okay driver! I have a license...I just don't like driving..."
I sighed. "I guess that runs in the family. I hate cars."
Al smiled.
"I've always prefered the good ole' subway."
"I've always prefered rockets."
xxx
Al pulled up in his car, and I prayed no one saw me getting out of it.
"I'll text you when I get back, okay?" I said, pining up my hair into a bun.
"Sure thing, I'll pick you up."
I sighed. "I should probably get back to my boyfriend, actually. He hasn't seen me since Christmas. It's what? The seventh? Tenth? I'll have you over for dinner or something, kay? You and Vic both. Welcome over anytime."
Al smiled. "Thanks, Meg!"
Alfons drove off, and as I waved hugely, I frowned as I turned around.
Demy stood infront of me in the girliest thing I'd seen her where in a while. Black knee skirt, clinging to her waist nicely. Black blazer, grey top with ruffles about her chest area. High heels. Chesnut hair clipped back...were the tips curled? Lip gloss? Wow. Her glasses (which she hardly wore) were neatly polished, reminding me I'd slept in my contacts last night....
"What. Was. That?" she screamed, running over to me, her expression half disbelief and half bliss.
"Alfons?"
"So he's-"
"Yup," I replied, smiling big at her. She wrapped me in a hug.
"Spent the night at he and Vic's last night. Interesting guys, those two."
Demy just stared. "I'm, uh, so happy for you."
I smiled, wrapping my arm about her waist. "Some needs coffee--"
I stopped. So did Demy.
"Oh, shiz," she mumbled. I knew the feeling.
"Is that....?"
"My other boyfriend's car?" I asked, eyeing Darcy's two seated fiyero,"Yes. Yes, it is."
Demy and I stepped out of the elevator with linked arms. I saw Nessa in the back, her eyes big and warning us to turn around. I'm surprised she had so much energy. Her sister had died a day or so before Spence and I had left Paris. We'd been told on the plane. JJ had called us. Nessa never really let anyone in, and I knew she was grieving, but I also knew she was strong.
I looked at the rest of scene. JJ was standing next to Blake, both of them apprehensive. Spencer was half-standing at his desk, eyes wide, not aware of me yet. Hotch wasn't in the room, nor was Rossi. Penelope was standing next to two frames. Darcy was a head taller than Derek Morgan, but Derek had a bit more muscle mass on my boyfriend.
"I just want to know when she gets here--"
"Darcy," I called.
His head snapped up, eyes big and pleading. When had my emotionless shell of a fake-boyfriend become a teddy bear?
"Meg," he said. "You didn't come home last night and I was so scared--"
"I'm sorry," I said, no longer leaning on Demy. I clicked my blue-stilleto heels across the room to him, smiling, I kissed him. "I spent the night at Demy's. I should've called-"
"Don't worry about it," he said, kissing me fiercer. My eyes were open and wide as his tongue shoved down my throat for a millisecond. "I was only worried about you." He held my hand for a moment, rubbing them in his, before giving me an odd look, and leaving.
"Whew," Sofia said, wipping her bow and giggling. When had she gotten here? "That was climatic! I was sweating there for a minute!!"
"Yeah," I replied dryly, ready to tell the intern off,"I--"
"Meg!!"
I swallowed. Demy's eyes got huge as we both knew what was happening. I heard light footsteps as Al broke into sight.
"Meg," he said, beaming at me. "You left this in the car. I didn't know if you needed it or not, so I ran back here," he said, dropping something into my palm. I didn't know what it was, I just stared at him.
"Thanks, Al," I said dryly.
"Anytime. Call ya later!" he said, running off and giggling in only a way Al would. I looked down at my palm.
Darcy's ring.
Darcy had seen me without my ring. Spencer had seen Al. Everyone had seen Al. I glanced swiftly at Demy.
We shared a message.
This stays secret. No one can know.
She nodded at me.
I turned back to the team, who was staring at us.
"What? Do we have a case or not?"
__________________________________________________________NESSA'S POV
I sat in the back of the meeting area at the BAU.
I had just returned to Quantico and my body dragged.
Tears were still randomly appearing but I would survive.
It was official now. Mt last family member was now dead.
Gone. Done. Vanquished.
But I had Aaron, and Beth, and Jack, and the unborn baby.
My computer laid open and pictures of me and Elphie flashed over the screen.
There were even a couple with Shell for the time he had been alive.
I snuffled and pulled my knees up against me.
I sat in a thick black dress. It had a turtle neck collar and flounced around my knees. Paired with black kitten heels and and a black velvet headband, and I was officially in mourning.
Fiyero had planned the funeral and we had held each other up at it.
He hadn't even got married to her yet.
She hadnt informed anyone of her disease progression yet apparently.
Dad hadn't even known where I was till I got back.
I had been grounded for the foreseeable future and I probably deserved it.
But I had good reason.
And as soon as dad found out where I was, he had pulled me into a hug and held me.
But here I sat in the office.
Fiyero had transferred back to Australia and had left most of her things to me.
He had taken their photos and the engagements rings but he was long gone.
I had inherited an apartment and a bunch of furniture.
I took her memory box but sold everything else.
And now my door to my old life was closed.
I was moved on and could focus in the present.
And speaking of the present Darcy just stumbled in.
He looked ragged and ready to tear his hair out.
Dad and Rossi subtly slipped out of the room and Morgan went to greet him.
" Where is Meg? She never showed up last night and she never called!"
I assumed she has spent the night with Reid and that was why he wasn't here yet.
But he soon stumbled in.
"Where IS she?"
Darcy was very agitated and Morgan was about to deck him I could tell.
" Dude calm down! We don't know where she is!"
"Do you know when she gets here?"
"No we don't! And please calm down or we will have to escort you out!"
I stared at the elevator as it opened and I saw Meg and Demy step out.
I stared pleadingly at them, and they stared back.
Morgan stood jaw clenched and Penny held his arm.
"i just wanna to know when she gets here..."
Meg strode forward and soothed him.
I leaned back and tried to figure out where she had stayed.
Had she actually stayed with Demy? Or someone else?
A few minutes after Darcy left a blond boy scurried in.
He was über pale and had pretty blue eyes that sparkled as he talked.
With a tall frame, and lean muscles, he was actually pretty cute.
In a older sort of way.
But when he talked to Meg I figured it out.
Was he her next conquest?
He implied she had spent the night with him.
But before I assumed the worse I needed to get the facts.
So maybe it was time to inquire.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEMY'S POV
Good grief... Would it kill anyone for something to go right? I mean, Alfons just
had to come in and...
I sighed inwardly as we sat in here listening to Hotch talk about the case. I wasn't even paying enough attention to know what he was saying anymore. Meg and I glanced at each other every so often, having a silent conversation.
Spencer glanced over at us from time to time, too. I could tell he wasn't as enthralled by the case as usual. I wondered how Meg was going to handle this. She apparently didn't want anyone else to know about Al yet, but now Spence is probably thinking that Meg is cheating on him. And I can't say anything to anyone without screwing something up.
And then there's the fact that I still needed to tell Meg that I went on a date with her cousin....
--
Later, back at my apartment, I decided it was as good a time as any to tell Meg about my sort of date with Vic. I picked up my phone and speed dialed Meg, then waited a couple of rings until she picked up.
"Hey, Dem," she greeted.
"Uh, hey!" I stuttered.
"What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing," I mumbled, deciding I didn't have the heart to tell her over the phone. It was just too...weird. Like, what was I supposed to say? 'I met your cousin before you did. Yup. We went and had some drinks at the bar.' Yeah, no. "Well, I was just wondering if you'd wanna come stay over at my place tonight. You know. Just for fun."
"Alright," she replied after a moment.
This night was going to be the most awkward thing ever...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MEG'S POV
Darcy was probably angry with me again for skipping out on him, Reid was probably worried about Al, and Al...well, Al was probably reading
Forbes while Vic tinkered around with a wrench. I wondered how many people truly needed automail. I hadn't met many people in need of them besides Nessa. I guess veterans may need them...but that still wasn't a very large demand.
I packed up for Dem's for the night, wondering why she wanted me over. I supose it probably had something to do with the Al Spencer fiasco. We needed a cover story, like, soon. I knew Nessa was dying trying to figure out, you could always tell by the look in her eyes.
Knocking a few times, Demy greeted me at the door, smiling awkwardly and ushering me in.
Something was up with her.
"Hey," I said, giggling slightly as Demy took my gym back--containing my nesscesities and laptop. I love Netflix. So much--and moved it to her couch. Rose came up and jumped on my laptop the second I opened it, deciding to flop with her paws over her eyes, typing random characters into google.
"Hullo, Rabies Cat," I smiled, scratching her ears. Now, I admit, after months of having her, Rose probably didn't have rabies. However, since Demy has neglected checking her out, I still fondly greet her as rabies cat, and will until I know she absolutely does not have them.
Demy glared up at me.
"What?" I asked innocently, batting my eyes.
Demy sighed and removed her cat from my keyboard. "C'mon Rose, Auntie Meg doesn't want to google...er, how would you say that?" she said, looking at the string of consanants Rose punched in.
I preceeded to make several noises, sounding half-German and half like I was clearing my throat.
We broke down into giggles.
"Meg, can we talk?" she asked, smoothing back her hair, which responded by slapping her back in the face.
"About Al?" I asked. "Yeah. I really dunno what we're going to do besides saying he's a friend, or maybe say he's Sorrelli's boyfriend or
something-"
"Not about that, Meg," Demy said. My mood darkened. Something was
really up.
"Dem, what's wrong?" I asked, leaning forward.
She sighed. "Just...please don't freak out."
"Why would I--"
"Promise me."
I blinked. "I...o-okay..."
Demy took a deep breath before beginning. "Okay, well see, when you and Spencer were in Paris, I went on a little...guy hunting. On my own. And so, this guy, he knocked me down and we got to talking and we had a few beers--"
My eyebrows rose.
"Okay,
several beers," she corrected. "And he was really sweet...and then..." she sighed, and I braced myself. "Meg, it was Vic."
I stared for a moment, and Demy's eyes got big as saucers.
"Please don't freak out!! I didn't say anything about you, so he doesn't know, and I'll probably never see him again--"
"Are you
nuts?!" I screamed, standing. "Of course you'll see him again!! As long as I have a breath in my body, you will!" I was beaming, bouncing up and down on her bed. "You and Vic?! Omigod!! That's...that's amazing!! You two would be
perfect for each other! Why did I never see that? Oh gosh, Demy, you have to come over and have dinner with us-"
"Meg," Demy warned, smile hinting her lips.
"I won't say it's you! I'll just say it's a friend! Oh, goodness--Woman! Don't you recognize destiny when you see it?!" I asked. She simply laughed.
"Please, please, please!!" I said.
She bit back a smile,"Maybe," she mumbled.
"VICTOIRE!!" I screamed with a giggle. "We have to go shopping and let me do you're make up and hair--"
She pouted. "Oh, girl, don't you dare think I can't do anything with that hair of yours. Because I can."
She smirked.
"We're going shopping," I continued,"tomorrow. We...well, I'd say we'd take Nessa, but she'd figure out something was up...I just...I feel like I need to wait to tell her."
Demy nodded, not really paying attention, as she braided my hair.
"Are you listening to me?" I grunted.
"It's like a field of wheat..." she mumbled.
I rolled my eyes. "You are such a dumbass."
"Vic doesn't think so..."
Best. Sleep over. Ever.
xxx
I went to Vic's the next morning after Darcy left for work. He and Al were both still there. Vic was tinker on some automail when I walked in, but stopped to wrap me in a hug.
"Day off?" he asked.
I nodded. "Weird, huh? I've had a lot lately. Guess I'm just lucky."
He shrugged. "Maybe God gave you this time to meet Al," he said, smiling. He let that sink in before returning to his chair. I'd never been a girl big on Christianity. It just was there my whole life. I believe in Him, now, don't get me wrong. When I was young, my mother got me baptized and all that jazz, but in her eyes, dancing came before God. I guess coming to America, it was just another thing I left behind. I hadn't occured to me that Al and Vic might be very devout Christians. Looking now at a cross on the wall, and a Bible on the coffee table, I realized I was wrong.
Al stumbled into the room, still in his pajamas and hair messy from sleep. He had a huge smile on his face, and was humming a strange song.
"Meg!" he exclaimed when he saw me, picking me up in a hug. (How strang, having someone so small and pale lift me.)
"Meg," Vic called from the corner. "Perhaps you can enlighten me. Ever since Al took you to work last week, he's been like
this."
Al continued to hum as he cracked eggs into a pan, pouring some milk for himself.
I blinked. "I...I honestly don't know."
Vic sighed and left with the fake arm, which clanked as he walked.
"Meg," Al whispered as I came up behind him.
"Yeah, Al? What's up?"
"...What's...what's her name?"
I blinked. "Who?"
"...The girl...at your office..."
Demy? Oh goodness, if both Al and Vic had feelings for Demy....
"The girl with the short, dark hair?"
Al's eyebrows tightened. "No...the skinny one, across the room. The curly bronze-ish hair. Big brown eyes...."
I swallowed.
"The armless one?" I asked, a little shocked. Al's eyebrows contracted again.
"She was armless?" he asked, almost to himself. He stared into space, then smiled. "Huh, I guess she was..."
I stared. "Al...Al...that's Nessarose. She's a friend of mine."
He sighed. "She's...she's beautiful..."
Nessa was
not going to like this....
I'd just have to hide another thing from her.
------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
I sunk back into the leather chair that occupied my room.
Books lay open in front of me on my IPad and notes lay half finished.
All I could think about was the mysteriously cute blond boy that had come in to see Meg.
Why was I doing this?
I knew that even I he was my age an single, I wouldn't the able to form a stable or healthy relationship.
I wasn't capable of that and it wouldn't be fair to anyone who wanted that.
I shook my head viciously and attempted to clear it of memories that lingered like cobwebs.
Men had proven themselves unworthy of me and my opinion wouldn't be changed by a piece of new meat.
Even if he was adorable.
Light footsteps echoed through the hallway and my door squeaked open .
Jack scampered in and he tossed himself onto my bed.
"Nessie, why don't you come play with me?"
"Of course little man."
Jack had been an amazing little brother for the many years I had known him, and I was sure he would be a great older brother to the new baby.
"Nessie, do we hafta get a new baby?"
I chuckled at the hilarity of the situation.
I remember asking the same question before Shell had been born.
I think every little kid asks that at some point.
He squirmed onto my lap and I steadied myself as he balanced himself.
He laid his tawny head against my neck and he snuggled in.
"Ness, I don't want another baby! Daddy and Bethy and you won't have time for me."
"Jack, I'll always have time for you! You're my little man! And you know Daddy and Bethy will always have time for you!"
How could he possibly think they wouldn't? Did he not realize how amazing his parents were?
He grabbed my waist and i helped him pull me to my feet.
"Let's go play!"
He grinned an impish grin and scampered down the stairs, leaping at the last two.
I padded out of the room and hastened down the stairs.
When I arrived at the bottom, dad had Beth backed against the counter and his lips covered hers.
"GET A ROOM!"
I squeezed my eyes shut, and for the fifth time today wished for the company o kids my own age.
Mindy had moved to Salem a couple of weeks ago and I was deadly bored.
Dad patted my shoulder an copied Jack's grin.
"I have a room. And we are about to go use it."
"GAHHH!!"
I screamed and ran for the living room.
I shoved my head into a cushion and fake gagged.
I imagined bleach being poured through my mind and it soothed me for the most part.
--------------------------------------------------------------
DEMYS POV
I generally hate shopping with a burning passion. But it does help when you have a little...insentive. Heheee... I tried not to let Meg see how giddy I was on the inside, though. I think she would get annoyed with me squealing every five minutes. Or two. I was just so excited!! I mean, going and having dinner with Vic freaking Mignogna!? Eff yeah!! And here I thought I'd never even see the guy again! I couldn't wait!
As Meg and I walked through the mall, I saw absolutely nothing that interested me. Sorry, but that's just how I am. Meg agreed to find an outfit for me, because I'm generally hopeless.
We went into Hollister and looked around for a while.
"$60 for a tee shirt!?" I exclaimed, a bit too loudly, but I probably wasn't heard over the music playing in the store.
"Yeah?" Meg said, not sharing my horror.
"People pay for this!?" I asked, completely apphalled.
"Yep. You sound surprised."
"Of course I am! This is rediculous!"
She laughed. "Welcome to the world of fashion."
"Where's the nearest exit?" I asked in monotone. I looked around to see if there was a clearance bin or SOMETHING. I found a table marked 45% off and rushed over. If Meg insisted that we shopped here, I at least didn't want my wallet to be as miserable as me.
"Look at this!" Meg chirped, trotting over to me in her little ballet flats, a powder blue scarf in her hands.
I grinned at how girly she was. "It's cute," I admitted. "You should get it."
"I think you would look adorable in it!"
"No thanks. Either way, it matches your eyes." I batted my eyelashes, making a stupid face.
"Whatever. Ooh!" She grabbed a pink blouse from the table and held it up to me.
"No," I said immediately.
She gave an exhasperated sigh. "Do you want to look cute for Vic or not?"
"Oh trust me, I do," I replied. "Cute. Not daffodil." I pushed her hands, still clutching the blouse, back down to the table. A black and white striped sweater caught my eye. I picked up the fuzzy sweater and held it up to myself, looking at Meg for approval.
She pursed her lips and examined it. "I still think you should wear something colorful."
"Maybe next time, Elle Woods," I mocked, winking at her.
--
Meg had found an outfit and we both checked out. We were now heading back to my apartment to finish getting ready, though we still didn't need to be at Vic and Al's for another hour. This worried me a bit. How long did Meg expect us to take getting ready...? I shuddered.
"Sit," Meg commanded, gesturing to a folding chair she had placed in front of the mirror in my tiny bathroom. I followed her instructions, though a bit nervous as to what she was planning. She had my flat iron and curling iron plugged in the wall and heating up, and she dug all of the make up I own out of the drawers and laid it out on the sink.
"Meg, please do not put more than foundation and mascara on me or I will kill you."
"You're going to look fabulous darling," she said, forcing her French accent a bit too hard. I rolled my eyes. It's not that I didn't trust Meg, but...okay, Meg was dangerous when it came to make-up. I supposed it was all of her years performing that could make her feel the need to put too much make-up on someone.
The chair was turned so I wasn't facing the mirror, which totally blew. I like to see my face when unknown substances are being put on it...
She traced my eyes with eyeliner, waved a mascara brush along my lashes, brushed my cheeks with blush, and painted my eyelids with some eyeshadow. Too much, too much, too muuuuch...
She started working on my hair, which I had no clue what she was going to do with. It was a few inches long, at best. It went a tiny bit past my ears.
Meg picked up the flat iron and rapidly ran several locks of hair through it, then grabbed a comb and teased what she could of my hair, spraying hairspray on it every few seconds. She picked up the curling iron and twisted it around a few strands of hair, then brushed it back out again, spraying it as she went.
"Go get dressed," she commanded, clipping some earrings into my ears, then smearing lipgloss on me. "And don't look in the mirror until you do."
I sighed and did as I was instruced--
"Don't mess up your hair!"
I
carefully did as I was instructed, sliding on the sweater, black skinny jeans, and black flats.
"Am I allowed to look now?" I asked impatiently.
"Yup!"
I walked back into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes widened. Meg had done a better job than I would have guessed (which says a lot). My face was perfectly highlighted by makeup, making my more attractive features more prominant, my less attracrive features less. And my hair... It was amazingly styled with a pixie-looking quality about it, which I loved.
"I look so..."
"FABULOUS!"
"More than that..." I breathed. "It's--"
"LAAA~~~" Meg tossed her hair and grinned in satisfaction.
I smiled and hugged her. "I look amazing. Thank you."
"You are always welcome to my fabulousness, darling!"
I left Meg alone for her to finish getting ready, which she was a pro at, so it didn't take long. Then we were on our way to Vic's.
When we arrived at his apartment I was quaking in my little black flats. What was he going to say when he saw me? Would he be happy to see me? Does he think I'm a stalker?! Oh no, I hadn't even thought about that! He probably thinks I'm a total psycho!! Shiiiittt....
"Calm down," Meg said, knocking at the door. "I can practically feel the nervousness radiating off of you."
"I knooowww..." I groaned. "But what if he--"
"
Meg ist da!" Alfons exclaimed as he opened the door, beaming. He looked over at me. "Ah! You work with Meg, right?"
"Yep," I replied with a grin, losing a bit of my anxiety. Al was just so charming and adorable. I probably would hug him if it wasn't pedophillia...
"Come on in," he said enthuiastically.
Meg and I stepped into the little apartment. Vic stepped into the room and did a double take at the sight of me. I smiled at him.
"Hey," I said with a little wave.
"H-Hey..." he replied in a bit of a daze.
Meg turned to Alfons. "Hey, Al, come here." She walked over to the room that Vic had just come from and gestured for Al to follow.
"Sure... But why?" he asked.
"Just come here."
Al shrugged and went into the room. Meg winked at me and disappeared behind the door as well.
You bitch... How dare you leave me in the most awkward situation ever...
"... Um... Hey," I said again, not really knowing what else to say. I just kind of stared dumbly at him, a stupid grin on my face.
"Demy...right?" he asked.
I nodded my head viciously. "Well, um, you see, it turns out that... I, um, I didn't... You, know, I didn't know when I went out with you-- well, not really went out, more of like just a friendly drinking session-- well, I didn't know you were Meg's--"
I stopped as I heard laughing. A deep, strong boyish laugh coming from Vic, as he sat on the arm of a chair.
My face turned a violent shade of red.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" he staggered through his laughter. He took a few deep breaths, running his hand through his hair. "It's just...I felt so dumb... All I've been thinking about is how stupid I was for...not getting your number." It was his turn to blush. "And well...I'm just glad I'm not the only one."
"Y-You could tell?" I asked, a bit relieved I wasn't the only one feeling this way. I really had been wanting to see him again...
"Yeah..." He smiled a dazzling smile which made me almost melt.
I was grinning from ear to ear. Was this love? I knew it was probably a very premature thought, but... I'd never felt like this in all my life... It was like bittersweet tendrils grasping my heart and refusing to release, like I could scream with delight and agony at any moment, just to relieve the pressure.
"Vic..." I cooed. "I..."
He closed the distance between us, leaving us only inches apart. He looked down at me, his golden hair slightly shimmering in the dim light of the room, smiling so warmly I knew I would melt this time. Melting right into his arms would feel so...
"Oh!"
I whipped my head over to the door Al had just popped his head out of.
"
Es tut mir leid! I'm so sorry!!" he exclaimed, slamming the door shut. I could faintly hear Meg scolding him on the other side of the door.
I looked back to Vic, who was now avoiding eye contact and scratching the back of his head. "So! Dinner!" he said briskley, rushing into the kitchen.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MEG'S POV
"Alfons!" I shoved my half-brother with a laugh. "I told you to stay in here!"
"What was that?!" he asked, guestering towards the door. "Vic...and that girl..."
"Have met before?" I supplied with a smirk.
"Uh, y-yeah!" Al said, leaning back onto Vic's bed. Vic's bedroom was way too clean for a man's....
I just laughed at Al. "Apparently, while I was in France, the two randomly met and had a few drinks..."
Al smiled at that. "I'm glad. It's just been me and Vic for so long...well, I don't think I'm as pretty as that girl is," he said, giggling. I snorted.
"I would hope Vic wouldn't think you're pretty, Al. That's when you call the cops and change your name. And move to Peru to herd goats."
Al laughed. "C'mon, it's probably dinner time."
We didn't eat in an awkward silence, as I expected, but to the stories of each others childhood. (And Demy occasionally sharing some stupid thing I'd done recently...)
Demy had to cover her face with her hand as she snorted in laughter. Vic was doubled over as Al was a bit red in the face.
"And the cat--!" Vic sputtered. "Al, you can't just pick up random cats! Some of them
do have rabies!!"
We all broke into laughter, and Demy met my eye and collapsed into our own inside joke.
"What?" Vic asked, eying the two of us.
Demy opened her mouth, but couldn't get a word out before I answered with,"She can't tell you now. That's second date material."
She shot me a death glare, while Vic cocked his eyebrows and tried to hide a smile from me.
I could do this every night, I thought. Eventually, have Spencer over...once I told him. It wasn't a big secret...I just needed to sort out my head first. I'd tell Spence the first chance I got. I'd--
A violent knock caused us all to look up. We sat in silence before it echoed again, causing Al to shake a little. I rose slowly, taking my gun which I'd deposited on the coffee table, and cocking it. Demy pulled hers from her purse, but didn't leave her seat next to Vic.
My slippered feet made the wood floors creak under my weight as I stalked to the door. Another knock.
"Who-whose there?" I asked timidly, pressing my cheek to the door.
"Meg! Open the door!"
Demy and I glanced at one another, eyes wide.
"Spencer?"
I threw open the door, and Spencer pushed his way in past me.
"I knew it!" he said, finger jabbed in my face.
"Spencer, how...where did you...how did you get here?!"
"I had Garcia track down your phone."
"Excuse me?" I asked, laughing a little. Spence was red in the face and
angry.
"I mean...I guess I knew something was up before London. Why would you keep something from me? You're open about
everything! I knew something was up, just like Darcy knows something was up."
I blinked. Then put two and two together....Oh snap.
"And, when Anderson came up to us...I wanted to protect you, but you never need protecting, do you, Meg? I mean...I didn't know what was going on but now..."
He looked up at the table. "I mean, there are two flipping men here!!" Spencer was waving his arms madly, like he did when he ranted. "And Demy...I thought you were my friend."
Demy waved at him, twirling her fingers, face holding no expression as Vic tried to read it.
"I knew this would happen...I mean, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice..." He put his head in his hands.
I flipped back a strand of hair, my hands taking residence angrilly on my hips. "You done?" I asked, smirking.
"No, I have one thing left, the final statement because I don't think you
get it," he said. "That man," he said, pointing at Al,"is definately your-"
"Brother."
Spencer stared. Finger still posed, mouth still open to scream, eyes wandering warily around from Al to me.
"Come again?"
I giggled, coming closer to Spence. "Alfons is my half-brother. I just found out. While we were in Paris, I was waiting for the lab results to come back. Alfons found me on the internet, and wanted to know. I was trying to sort out everything in my head before I told you."
He went slack as my hands massaged his chest and shoulders. "And Demy?"
"I slipped. And she and Vic had a freak-coincedence meeting, before I met him. I was going to come by tonight to tell you..." I said, but Spencer leaned down slowly and gave me a chaste kiss, smiling gently.
"Sorry," he mumbled, face red.
Before I knew it, Vic was beside us, hands clapping our shoulders.
"Well, Spencer, is it? Why don't you sit down, and I'll get you a plate..."
Spencer joined us, sitting next to me, Al still on my other side.
XXX
"That's...wow..." JJ said.
"I'm happy for you, baby doll," Derek told me, wrapping me in a hug.
"We have to meet them!! We could all go over to Rossi's for a dinner--"
"Speak for yourself--"
"See! This is why I didn't want to tell everyone! I knew they would make a big deal!" I said, burying my head in Spencer's chest. He laughed a little, and it shook my little frame.
"At least ask them, or I'll just track down their phones and ask them myself," Penny ventured. I groaned.
"Fine, whatever. Look, I'm tired and I'm going home. Anyone wanna walk to the subway with me?"
"I'll go," Nessa ventured. Demy agreed too.
I'd always like the subway. It was crowded, and with it's variety of people, I felt no one was looking at me funny.
"So, Darcy tonight?" Demy asked. I sighed, and nodded. We hadn't been spending much time together besides a good morning and good night. I guess he felt a tad left out.
"...No Al?" Nessa asked. I raised my eyebrows.
"Nope..." I said, glancing sideways at her. I guess now was a good of time as ever..."You'd like him, you know."
Her eyes shot up. "Your brother?"
I nodded. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced down. "Whatever...I could never...er, like him..." her voice drown out.
I shrugged. "Maybe," I said. "He's such a sweet boy. Maybe giving him a shot--"
"I said I didn't like him! Quit acting like I do!"
I blinked. "I never said you did, Nessa."
She looked away. "I know....He's just...don't go setting me up with...! He's stupid." She blurted out. I blinked.
"Excuse me? You've never met him!" I laughed.
"He just...looks stupid," she grumbled.
I put my head in my hands. Gee, Al, I'm really sorry. I'm trying here, bro....
"Look, I'm gonna grab a taxi from here. See you tomorrow."
I nodded off at her. "Tomorrow."
"What was that?" Demy asked as the subway lurched on after Nessa left.
"She hates him..." I mumbled.
"So?"
"Al's in love with her..."
------------------------------------------------Nessas POV
I had lied to Meg when I said I was catching the taxi back to my house.
We were only a couple of blocks from dads apartment and I need to clear my head.
How could Meg.........was she sane ............. it was just do illogical.
How could she think that Al could ever want such a basket case?
Or that I would want him?
Did she realize I had feelings for him? Was she trying to trick me into making a fool of myself?
Ugh!!!! I hate mind games and the connivingness that goes along with it.
Why did things have to be so warped in this world? Could a women lo......like a man and not be in the wrong?
But Demy had found a guy. And that was probably the best thing for her. A man to make her feel safe in her home, to love her, to protect her from harm. It was sweet the way she blushed when he talked of him. Or the way she bit her lip and leaned her head down.
She obviously had feelings for this man and she showed the signs of this being a green glass kinda love.
And Meg. What was there to say about Meg? She was cheating on a guy with her coworker, and she had a brother she hadn't wanted to tell us about.
Were we that untrustworthy? Did she think so little of us? How come all of her secrets found their way to Demy long before anyone else?
How come I had to tell Emily that Meg was cheating on her boyfriend?
Wasn't that something Emily deserved to know?
Or was the root of the problem ..............................................me?
It seemed that Meg had never been that reclusive before the first time I yelled at her.
Then the second time I yelled. She has flipped out and ran away.
We has been steadily growing apart, and I wasn't sure if we could be pulled back together.
I reached our street and turned down it.
As I approached the house, the front door was open and flower buds had fallen from the bushes beside the door onto the mat.
I walked inside and followed the flower bits that had blown in. They lead upstairs and down the hallway.
As I reached the end I heard voices.
"Beth........."
"And.........Aaron..."
I crept closer and peered into their bedroom.
Dad wa down on one knee and smiling up at Beth.
"Beth, will you do me the greatest honor I have ever received, and become the lady I come home to, the lady I wake up to, and the women I die next to? You're already my life, but will you become mine in matrimony?"
She stared at him opened mouthed. Tear dotted her eyes and small gasps escaped her mouth.
She shook her head, words apparently unavailable.
"Yes, just.............YES!!"
She jumped into his arms and he planted a sweet kiss on her lips.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DEMYS POV
As soon as I got home, I collapsed on my bed in pure delight. And I'm glad there was no one else there, because if anyone had seen how I was giddily flailing around and screaming, I'm not sure they wouldn't question my sanity. But I was just... I just wanted to... SCREAM!!!!!!
"OMYGOSH, OMYGOSH, VIIIIC!!!!!" I squealed.
I was still upset at Al for interrupting us though. I mean, legit. Did he have to open the door RIGHT THEN? Little German jerk. Oh well. He's too adorable to be mad at. And I love Germans.
--
I didn't see Vic again until Superbowl Sunday. Weeee. Football. Excitement.
We were all gathered. Vic and Al and, well, the BAU. Fun to cram everyone in one room while they're freaking out about meeting Meg's half-brother. Trust me, I was glad to still be alive.
Penny. Would not. Shut up. She was pretty worked up over meeting Vic and Al. Shocker.
Spencer was very awkward around them, considering the first time he saw Al he thought Meg was cheating on him. And then there was the whole busting into Vic's apartment thing, which was pretty much the most hilarious thing ever.
The game had just started and hardly anyone was paying attention. I pretty much only watched the commercials. Isn't that what pretty much everyone does during the Superbowl?
"Everyone seems to be getting along nicely," I said to Meg over the noise of everyone talking all at once. I looked over at Vic, who was talking to Derek and laughing. So cute...
"Yeah," Meg replied happily, then followed my gaze. She grinned at me.
"What!"
"Nothing, nothing. You guys are just so adorable."
I giggled.
I noticed Nessa on the other side of the room staring at... Oh look. Staring at Alfons. What a surprise.
I smiled my mischievous smile, not unlike the Cheshire Cat. "What do you say we...help Ness with her little...love predicament?"
Meg smacked my hand. "No."
"Why noooooot?"
"Do you know what happens when you try to help?"
"Name one thing that I've done wrong."
"Well, for starters, you made out with Spencer."
"Shh! Not around Vic, okay?" I whispered loudly. "And besides, what does that have to do with anything?"
"You're the one who asked."
"Whatever."
She crossed her arms. "So. Did you enjoy it?"
"Enjoy what?"
"Your little kiss with Spence."
"Shh!"
"Well," she said louder, starting to grin. "I mean, when you KISSED SPENCER I'm sure you enjoyed it--"
"Would you shut up!!"
"You kissed Spencerrrr..."
I blinked. "Have you been drinking?"
She swayed. "I may have accidentally picked up someone's beer..."
I patted her head. "Of course you did, hon." It did not take much for this girl to get tipsy. I kept it in mind to tell everyone later, so they could enjoy drunk Meg as much as they wanted.
I walked over to Vic. "Keep the alcohol away from Meg," I laughed.
He smiled. Ahhh...my heart...I think it melted...that can't be healthy... "I'll be sure to keep it in mind."
"I thought you would've learned that by now, Demy," Derek sighed. "I mean, after what happened in London..."
"What happened?" Vic asked.
Derek and I exchanged looks, a grin breaking onto both our faces.
I opened my mouth to begin the amazing story--when Derek cut me off.
"We'll save that story for some other time," he interjected.
"You suck."
He laughed and walked away.
Vic cocked an eyebrow. "So, what--"
"You don't wanna know."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEG'S POV
Maybe I was a little tipsy...but it was Derek's fault. He was the one who asked me to hold his cup...and well, I'd never tried beer out of a red solo cup.
Nasty stuff...great feeling.
I was probably developing some addiction problems at this point....
"Meg."
Al's voice called me from behind, and I spun and smiled, letting my little brother's hands steady me.
"Have you met everyone, Al?" I asked, beaming up at my little brother....my little six foot one brother....
"Everyone except...
her." Al's look got dreamy and far away. There was no question who her was. Looking back, Nessa was on the couch, eyes closed as she had earbuds plugged in. No doubt listening to
100 Monkeys (our favorite band) or a new audiobook. Looking back at Al, he was smiling sweetly to at the crippled girl, eyes taking in the sight of her pretty face and frame--which was wrapped in her black shawl, covering her stumps.
"Meg...I'm too nervous to talk to her. I want to...no, I don't. I can't. I won't. Meg, don't make me!" Al was wimpering, and it was--as always--adorable.
"Al," I said, grasping his shoulders, trying to be serious, but a giggle slipped out,"You have feelings for Nessa. Don't you think you should hear her name coming from her own lips? Maybe she wants to meet you too."
Lie number one.
"Maybe this is the beginning of something...bigger."
Lie number two. Nessa was going to hate me...but looking at Al...how could anyone say no?
"Help me," he whispered, clinging to my arm like I was the stronger one. Al was rather scrawny and stalky, but nonetheless, far stronger than I.
I smiled gingerly, leaning up to kiss my brother's cheek. "Okay, follow me."
I made sure Al was behind me, but not directly behind me. She wouldn't notice him right off.
I kicked her side with my ballet flat, causing her eyes to go wide. My slipper tickled her side, while she could do nothing about it. She burst into laughter unwillingly as earbuds popped from her ears. I heard Al's sigh, and glanced quickly back at him. Those eyes.
This was more than some crush. He was absolutely infatuated with her.
"Meg!" she protested, and I stopped, flopping down next to her.
"Hey, baby," I said, raising my eyebrows in a provocative way. I was hanging out with Penny way to much, and tended to be very sexual when intoxicated....
"Hello, Megara," she mumbled, trying to get out of my grip. I was by no means a hugger, but I guess stuff like 'Meg's Bubble' didn't occur as my brain was being raped by the drink of life.
"Whatcha doin'?" I asked. If I had said that six years ago, Spencer would've made me pay a dollar for every combined word and dropped G. But this was me. With a full cup of beer.
She laughed, unsure of what to make of my intoxicated state,"Nothing, just-"
She stopped, and suddenly, I wasn't in the room anymore. Looking between Nessa and Al, I felt like I was in
West Side Story, re-living the 'Tony Meets Maria' scene. Although, I wouldn't have been against a dance....
"Er, Hi," she whispered. Was her voice a bit hoarse?
"Hello," Al laughed, but his throat sounded scratchy. Quickly, he snapped (or tried too) out of his dream state, stumbling forward and somehow ending up sitting at her feet with a cherry red face.
"I'm sorry, we haven't met formally yet. I-I...I'm..."
"Alfons," she said, her expression changing from wary to a shy smile.
Al's face however, began to beam. "Y-yes! Yes...and you...you're..."
"Nessa," she supplied again, trying hard not to giggle.
Giggle? Nessa?
Demy came up behind me (I guess Derek and Vic were male bonding, and our little Fantine got left out) smiling, pulling out of their way.
"I may be wrong," she said, looping her arm through mine,"but I believe we're witnessing the beginnings of love."
I beamed. "Oh...that'd be lovely!!" I screamed, and a few eyes turned towards me. It was too loud anyway, what with Henry and Jack playing in the corner while Beth and Hotch were being hoarded by JJ, while husband Will stood back awkwardly. Kevin was standing with Penelope, the broken engagement long forgotten. Sophia...with a beer in hand. If anyone was a worse drunk, it was her. She tended to get very drunk, very quickly. Sophia and I didn't really have a different body type...
I glanced at my chest, then at hers.
Damn, I might've guessed the bitch had tits. Me...well, they're there...and that's about all you could say about it. Despite Demy and Nessa's claims that the left breast was bigger....
Damn everyone....
"I really hope they get together..." I sighed, glancing back at them. Al had somehow clambered back up to the couch, filling my vacant seat, holding onto everyword the girl said. He even tucked a curl behind her ear, causing her to stop and flush red. I smiled.
"A green glass love..." I mumbled.
"Hmm?" Demy asked. I smiled, remember something someone had once told Nessa and I...in India.
"A story for later...Perhaps a maid-of-honor speech at the wedding of one Miss Nom and Mr. Mig--"
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Demy said, trying to do so quietly. I giggled.
"And if I'm not the maid of honor, I'm expecting God Mother, or at least a Meg Jr."
She stared at me. "How the frick does that even work."
"Well, when a Demy and Vicky love each other very much--"
"Stop!"
Nothing of interest happened for quite some time after this. Spencer and I talked, he even spit out a red-faced apology to Vic, who just man-hugged him. I know. First the room, then the hug. If he wasn't amazing and totally Demy's soul mate, I'd think he was gay. Well, he lives with a small German boy...
Stop, Meg, stop.
Spencer and I found Rossi's closet...well, you know what happened. My blood to alcohol ratio is probably off the charts (after I found another red solo cup...), so what do you think happened?
Everything was quiet...until Vic met Nessa.
"Oh my gosh," he said, as the armless girl stood up, and her shawl fell off.
Nessa blushed red, face staring down angrilly. Al looked pitifully up at her, fumbling to cover her shoulders again.
"Vic, stop man..."
"No, oh, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant, miss." Vic stepped forward, placing his hand on Nessa's shoulder...stumps.
"You're Nessarose, aren't you? I'm Vic. See, I'm an automail mechanic..." Vic went into the automail rant while Nessa stared, horrified as the party had come to a halt around us. "I'm sorry, Nessa, if that bothered you...but it's what I do for a living."
Nessa blinked. "That's a very...interesting choice of profession," she tried, almost smiling.
He shrugged. "I liked helping people. I liked medicine. Nessa...I'd really like, well, baby, you're like my holy grail."
She blushed, but didn't seem offended. Nessa was used to being this way, I supposed.
"If you ever want to consider, well, you know where to find us. Better yet, why don't you and Al exchange numbers."
I will never stop loving this man. Best. Extended Family. Ever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
I sat huddled on Rossi's leather couch, and my earphones blasted 100 monkeys at decibel too high to be legal.
I found myself subconsciously flicking my eyes in Al's direction at every opportunity.
He was the life of the party and it wasn't hard to see why.
He oozed confidence and a boyish charm that was hard to deny.
He chanted at opportune times in the game and he acted like the typical male.
I tried to follow the game and became hopelessly lost.
Too many sweaty men chasing a too tiny ball for me.
I tipped my head back and attempted to sooth my raging headache. Mindy had kept me up on the phone and I was regretting it.
Suddenly a warm mass attacked my side and I was brought down in a fit of unladylike giggles. I sounded like wild animal when I laughed if you asked me.
"Meg!" I shrieked. Sh plopped down next to me on the thick couch.
"Hey, baby," she said. It was really distubing when she was drunk. She tended to get way to close and it was almost legally rape.
"Hello, Megara," I replied. I twisted and squirmed trying to escape her talons. She just didn't understand how to leave me alone.
She killed the American language in that sentence and it was in that moment i realized she was up to something.
I glanced up and Al stood behind Meg and suddenly I realized what she was doing. She hadn't given up the notion of pairing me and Al up.
"Er, hello," I piped up. Was it me or did I sound gruff?
"Hello," Al laughed, but his throat sounded scratchy.
"I'm sorry, we haven't met formally yet. I-I...I'm..."
"Alfons," I replied It was kinda cute how he forgot his name.
Al's face however, began to beam. "Y-yes! Yes...and you...you're..."
"Nessa," I replied again. This was kinda funny in a horridly mean sort of way.
Alfons sat down next to me and wrapped my shawl tighter around me.
He smiled a sweet smile and spoke up.
"I'm home schooled. And you?"
"Um mm actually.....I'm.......kinda graduated already. I was very advanced and they did me early."
I ducked my head and a strand of my hair fell from my hair band.
A warm, rough hand hesitantly reached out and brushed it behind my ear.
I felt a warm blush creep across my cheeks and I cast my eyes down.
He reached out and turned my head up to face him.
I spoke back up, wanting to get this conversation back on track.
He bit his lip and nodded a slow yes. I sensed he didnt want to talk about his childhood and I could understand that.
He looked up and his infectious smile filled his face.
I bit my lip and turned away.
"I'm from Wizamania. I moved here many years ago."
"He appeared animated and he spoke up again.
I sighed and pulled my knees up closer to my chest.
"No. He adopted me before I moved here."
He turned my head back around and stared me back down.
I growled and laid back against the couch.
"Do you always ask such impertientent questions? An dfor your information no. They are dead now but my dad was alive then."
He blushed and appeared embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."
I nodded my head and we slipped into an easier discussion about classes and our favorite subjects.
He seemed to love mechanics and rockets.
He seemed interested that all of my classes were done by me following the team into the field.
After some time had passed and Meg had found the alcohol, I decided I needed to use the restroom. As I stop my shawl slid down.
I stood up and Al's cousin decided to make a freaking comment.
I felt heat prickle under my cheeks and tears form in my eyes.
I was determined not to cry over this. It wasn't the first time people had done this to me. It was just the most recent.
Al spoke up.
Even Al coming to my aid wasn't healing my mortification. He grabbed the shawl an rewrapped my shoulders and I nodded in appreciation.
'No, oh, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant, miss." Vic stepped forward, placing his hand on my shoulders and he smiled at me. His hands were like sandpaper and they grated my skin.
"You're Nessarose, aren't you? I'm Vic. See, I'm an automail mechanic..." Vic went into this rant about fake body parts, while I sat seething in mortification at what this party had deteriorated to. This was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me. Could Vic not see my horror? "
I stared at him with wide eyes. Did he not notice my disinterest? Was he challenged? He stopped talking so I spoke.
"That's a very...interesting choice of profession," I said. I hadn't focused much on what he was saying and I didn't know what to call it. I attempted a tiny smile at him and he seemed ecstatic.
He shrugged. "I liked helping people. I liked medicine. Nessa...I'd really like, well, baby, you're like my holy grail."
I blushed and I forgave him then. He wasn't rude or anything and the last comment had been kinda sweet. Even if it was a little creepy.
"If you ever want to consider, well, you know where to find us. Better yet, why don't you and Al exchange numbers."
I smiled at that and I hoped it wasn't obvious that I was ecstatic at the idea.
I walked of to the kitchen and Al followed me in.
"I'm sorry about Vic. He isn't always that overbearing I promise."
I chuckled and he chuckled with me.
"Don't worry. That isn't the first time that happened."
He turned his mouth down in a frown and I decided that he wasn't allowed to do that again. He looked so much better with a smile.
I sat in confusion and tried to figure out what I had done.
I blushed and he wrapped his arms around me in a gentle hug.
I smiled into his chest and he slowly let me go.
I scampered of to the restroom and returned momentarily.
I slid back into my seat and Beth popped up next to me.
She teased me with small comments like that for the next half hour and I knew I couldn't deny them.
I was officially in, not love not yet anyway, but like.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They'd been so adorable talking to each other! Nessa and Alfons sittin' in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G~
I blinked and put down my beer, deciding that that was probably enough.
Either way, they were adorable, there was no denying. The way she blushed when he talked, and how he did the same. Maybe our little Ness finally found a keeper. Assuming Al wouldn't rape her. But I highly doubted that. Well...it's not rape if you like it... Heh...
The party drew to a close and we all went our separate ways. When I got back to my apartment, I vowed that I would take Rose to the vet tomorrow. I'm tired of Meg calling her rabies cat...
I yawned as I changed into a tee shirt and sweatpants and crawled into bed. Rose curled up right by my face. I sneezed, then hugged her. "Ah, I don't care if I'm allergic to cats...you're just too freakin cute!"
When I awoke the next morning I had a slight headache. Probably a mixture of allergies and alcohol. The best kind of concoction... I sighed and rolled over, putting my pillow over my head, trying to block out the sun coming in through the curtains.
My phone chirped and I sighed. Reaching over to my nightstand, I pulled it off the charger and put it up to my ear.
"Hello...?" I slurred.
That voice...
"... Mom?" I gasped. Why the hell would she be calling me? What does she want?
"Demy..." she said, sounding relieved. What a joke.
"How did you even get my number?" I snapped. "I made a point to change it frequently, and I think it's quite obvious why."
She was silent for a moment. "I just called to tell you that I wanted to see you," she said, as if she thought I would buy it.
"When hell freezes over," I scoffed.
"Oh, hon... Me and your dad miss you."
It took me a moment to process this. Lies, all of it. I chuckled, which then turned into pure laughter. I laughed like that for a good 30 seconds.
me?" I laughed. "What? Did your maternal instincts just now kick in,
?" I spat the word. It felt foreign on my tongue.
"Don't give me that crap!" I screamed. "Never. You
, I actually do have a life. A job. Friends. I'm not just going to drop all of that to come visit the terrible parents who didn't give a damn about me when I needed help!"
I could hear her take a deep breath.
I was shaking, clutching the phone with an iron grip. I blinked back tears that were forming at the edges of my eyes. I'm so stupid... I shouldn't be crying. I decided a long time ago to keep my old life away from my current one. Why should I be letting this get to me?
She still didn't speak.
I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. I'll come. See what happens."
I hung up.
I put on shoes and a jacket and walked to the door. "I'm going to the bar," I told Rose, then slammed the door behind me.
The bar. At 8 in the morning.... I could tell this day would go well.
"Meg..." hands wrapped around me from behind, smiling lips pressing against my own. "You're going to be fine. Let's go again."
"Spencer...I can't do it. It's the freaking Bar Test! I'm only good at one kind of bar, Spencer, and this isn't it."
We were currently in my dorm room (Sorrelli was probably sexiling her boyfriend's room mate at the moment...). We were curled up in my bed, which was hidden in a little alcove in the wall. Spencer was pressed in the corner with me perched up on his lap. He played with my hair as he read questions out of my two ton text book.
"Which one?" I groaned. He laughed. I'm such a dork....
I pursed my lips. "Malum Prohibitum is...uh..."
"Is an action that's evil in itself. Assault, Murder, White shoes after labor day."
His body shook with laughter, making me sink into his frame a little more. He tossed my text book aside, pulling me into him.
"I love you..." I mumbled. He kissed my forehead.
Flipping over on my stomach, I rolled my eyes, pulling myself onto his chest. "I don't want the Derek Morgan answer," I groaned, kissing my way up his neck. "I want to hear you say it."
"Do I need to?" he asked silently, his fingers tracing up and down my back.
"'Course not," I groaned, nipping at the nape of his neck,"I just wanna hear it."
"Don't say 'wanna'. It's not a word."
I stopped my menstrations to his neck and sat up in front of him. "Are you avoiding answering me?" I asked.
"It's perfectly fine and you know it!" I said. "Now I know your trying to get out of saying it!"
I rose heatedly, pacing the room. "What's going on here?"
"Meg, your test is soon. Go home, get some rest. Study. Okay?" Spencer held my wrists but I felt like falling over.
"I don't want to go home to Darcy. I want to stay here. Right here, with you. Please don't leave..." I whispered, but Spencer sat me on Sorreli's bed, and starting backing out of the room.
"I'll call you a cab. It'll be here soon, so be ready. Goodnight, Meg."
"Spencer-" but he shut the door. I don't know how long I sat frozen there.
He didn't want to say it to me....He was fine the other night. I don't understand. The last case we worked on, nothing of importance had happened. Yet he refused....
I looked away. Maybe I had been too close to him. Spencer and I had been debating on and off on the touchy subject of
He says no, I say yes. I mean, really. It's my body. And I'm a virgin, it's not like I have STDs or anything. I know it'll hurt. It's kinda
to hurt the first time. He's not saving me pain. It's going to happen sometime...unless he wants me to be celebate our whole lives....I shuddered.
I can't keep it in my pants that long.
Sorrelli came home maybe, five minutes or five hours later. Her hair was disheveled and lipstick smudged. 1 for 1 on the sexiling.
"Hey, babe. There's a cabbie outside waiting for ya."
I nodded as she kissed me on my cheek, looking warily at me. I knew what she was thinking: Darcy. Ever since Darcy, I
been distant. But it was more than Darcy.
It was the almost-rape and the kidnapping and the murder. My father, mothers, Alfons. Everything with Spencer. Everything with Darcy. Nessa being raped again. Demy getting hurt. The fighting. The rejection. The fear. Everything. I felt there was always something...someone...breathing down my neck, waiting to drop another bomb on me. I couldn't take it anymore. I was going to explode.
I had class in an hour, so I went ahead and told the driver to take me to building C. Darcy was already in class. He'd take me home afterward.
"Miss Giry," he smiled slightly, unreadible eyes making me edge closer.
"Hi," I replied, wrapping my arms around him, refusing to let go.
"I didn't know you got back," he whispered in my ear. I nodded. "I'm tired, Will," I mumbled. He wilted a little. I honestly can't think of a time I'd called him by his first name. "Let's skip. Please?"
"Meg, no," he urged, trying to pull me towards his seat. I pulled away.
"Will-" I tried again, but he just shook his head. The proffesor walked in, urging me to take a seat. I swore, and took a place in the front row, several seats away from Darcy.
Dr. Callihan went on and on about a current case from current events. I didn't really pay attention, until I realized Darcy had joined the droning.
"Mr. Ladimer was clearly within his rights to ask for visitation.Without his sperm, the child in question wouldn't exist!"
I groaned. No, Darcy wasn't winning this one.
I raised my hand.
"Mr. Darcy makes an excellent point, but did the defendant keep a log of every sperm emission made throughout his life?"
The Proffesor smiled. "Interesting. Why do you ask?"
"Well, unless the defendant attempted to contact every sexual encounter to find out if a child resulted from those unions, he has no parental claim over this child whatsoever. Why now? Why this sperm?"
And, just to make Darcy even madder...
"And by Mr. Darcy's standards, all masturbatory emissions where the sperm was clearly not seeking an egg would be called reckless abandonment."
The room was quiet, excepting the few snickers formt the word 'masturbatory'. Callihan just stared me down.
I'd crossed the line...
I blinked. "Omigod," I whispered.
Class ended, and Darcy came over to my side.
"Nice job today," he said, wrapping his arm around my waist, leading us out the doors. It was raining.
"You aren't mad?" I asked through the downpour.
"'Course not," he smiled, as we reached out car in the lot. Thank God he parked close to the doors....
"Good..." I said. At least I'd stirred up class....
"Megara," he said, throwing his jacket over my lap. "Your tired. Get some sleep. It's a long drive back to Quantico."
I nodded, and as he started the fiyero, I fell asleep.
"NO! I already told her that I hate him. She'll think I'm doing it to embarrass him! Or worse! What if he does it to embarrass me?"
"GUURRRLLLL!!!!!! Listen to you! If he is as descent as you say he is than you have nothing to worry about. Lord, you have some issues girly."
"Thanks Mind. You always know how to cheer me up."
"Don't mention it. Speaking of mentions, I have some good news!"
"Brett. The Honor Society President."
"Weird. I always thought you would date the town pimp."
She chuckled and I glanced at the clock.
"Maybe.........Well I need to go. Ill call you with deats Saturday."
"Bye. Tell Brett if he doesn't tap that, I will!"
She chuckled.
I giggled and hung up the phone.
I sat up and my phone fell off the nightstand.
I peered under my bed and saw a silver box shoved underneath my bed.
I used my legs to pull it out and I opened it with my chin.
Inside was covered with tissue paper and I knocked it out of the way.
Under that were a couple of things.
And a ivory elephant.
Meg and the rest of the team hadnt found out about it and we had planned to keep it that way.
Dad had found a different gift to give Demy so mine was packed away.
