100 Drabbles of 2011 #21-30
21) fan
Time Period: Post-climax of "Secundus," pre-marriage
Notes: Fan language! I remember finding this when I was first doing research on the Victorians and thinking "WTF?" Alice and Victor probably think the same, but I would imagine Aunt Susan would like Alice to know this stuff. I used a list I found online for the gestures Alice demonstrates, but unfortunately it's been a casualty of time.
“So, what does that mean again?”
“‘We’re being watched,’” Alice said, twirling the fan in her left hand. She stopped and held it in front of her face. “And this means I desire an acquaintance.”
“What if you held it in your right?”
Alice switched hands. “‘Follow me.’”
Victor shook his head. “These secret signals make my head spin.”
“They don’t give me much pleasure either, to be honest.” Alice grinned and closed the fan halfway before touching it to her lips. “Know what this means?”
Victor shook his head. “Then let me be straightforward,” she replied, and kissed him.
22) neighbor
Time Period: After "Secundus 2," older kids Notes: I'm really not sure where this came from -- I guess I just wanted to do something featuring Chester's future wife. Allison Laidlaw is a sweet girl who's in the family tree of a couple of different Valice universes -- she's kind of the opposite of Alice, but she gets along pretty well with her mother-in-law. (And yes, everyone does find it amusing that Chester, who looks almost exactly like his father, ends up marrying a girl named Allison.) The mention of "the famous Victor Van Dort" references "83) Author's Choice: hero" -- Victor has quite the reputation after saving Secundus.
Victor didn’t think much of it when the Laidlaws moved onto their street. His family didn’t socialize much with their neighbors, unless Victor needed to capture an escaped experiment. He didn’t expect to see much of them at all.
But then the Laidlaws came visiting, wanting to meet the famous Victor Van Dort. They shared tea and small talk, and Victor decided they seemed like nice people. But he still didn’t expect to see them around often.
Then he noticed the way Chester was looking at their daughter Allison. Suddenly, he knew he’d be seeing a lot of the Laidlaws.
23) garden
Time Period: After "Secundus 2," older kids
Notes: Just something exploring Lorina's chosen love for a change. I like the idea of her being a plant enthusiast to complement Victor's love of butterflies. (And, of course, her habit of talking to plants isn't as crazy when sometimes the plants talk back. :p)
Victor’s interest in plants and flowers had always been a natural extension of his interest in insects. He loved any plant that could help feed his growing rabble of modified butterflies. Beyond that, Victor didn’t give them much thought.
Lorina, though, loved plants. She knew the scientific name of every one that grew around the house. And she knew the best way to care for them all – how much sun, how much water. She even carried on conversations with them, like they were old friends.
So it was no surprise to Victor when his daughter’s chosen Touched field was botany.
24) nap
Time Period: Marriage period between "Secundus" and "Secundus 2"
Notes:This was another one that gave me problems in getting it down to size. I was about to abandon the story and try something else when I got the idea to do it as Victor's thoughts (with a little interjection from Alice at the end). Poor Victor, his insomnia doesn't give him a break. This is probably also the moment where I came up with the idea that Victor really loves getting his hair stroked.
Oh, why does my mind hate me? All I want is a hour or two of sleep. Not even a full night! Just something to recharge myself before I go back into the lab. Instead I find myself staring at the ceiling. Of course.
Perhaps I should just go back to my butterflies. No, my notes were getting to be little more than squiggles. No going back until I sleep. Maybe turning over will help.
No, of course it doesn’t. I – wait, is that Alice? Why is she stroking my hair like–
Actually, that – that feels. . .nice. . . .
“Sleep tight, Victor.”
25) lotion
Time Period: Victor and Alice's honeymoon
Notes: Another one that toes the "risque" line. I had no idea what to do with this prompt until I came up with the idea of a back massage. You could consider this a companion fic to "7) sunburn" and "19) itch."
The lotion is cold against his skin, a sudden shock of sensation that almost makes him yelp. Then he feels Alice’s hands against his back, making slow, wide circles as she rubs the lotion in. Warmth replaces the chill, making him sigh happily. Her fingers dig into his muscles, finding the tense spots and gently kneading them away. Victor can feel the stress draining out of his body as she rubs, leaving him limp and comfortable under those hands. Even his mind feels relaxed.
For all her talk about his skills, Alice has some pretty talented fingers of her own.
26) alcohol
Time Period: Anytime
Notes: I always thought it would hilarious if shy, quiet Victor turned out to be a chatty drunk. I don't get to play around with any of my Victors like this often, so it was really fun to write this. Poor Marty, he was just trying to get his friend to relax. . . I think this is also the first real appearance of one of my headcanons for Victor -- that he actually DID know girls before the arranged marriage, but he never made a good impression on them. This one in particular.
“So then I was walking around with this girl and like I always do I trip and fall and somehow I land right on top of her, and she’s so angry she can’t even speak, and I’m desperately apologizing, and then I see the town crier – did I tell you about the town crier? Worst busybody on the planet. Our town is so boring he has to go around yelling everybody’s personal gossip. Sometimes I wanted to weld his mouth shut. Anyway – where was I? Oh, yes, he’s staring. . .”
“Doc?”
“Yes, Marty?”
“Remind me to never get Victor drunk again.”
27) party
Time Period: Adult children era
Notes: I'm not sure what inspired this drabble, besides the fact that I've already worked out family trees up to everyone's grandchildren. Fun fact: Most of the kids marry one another in this verse. For example, Marty's son Douglas marries Victor's daughter Lorina, while Marty's daughter Marlene marries Doc's son Jules.
Yes, I do like making everyone related, why do you ask?
It was quite the reception, Victor noted. The tables at the wedding breakfast were completely filled with friends and family. Everyone was eating, talking, and laughing.
He glanced over at the bride and groom. His son Vincent had a grin from ear to ear, while Mabel practically glowed. It made Victor happy to see a pair so deeply in love. “What do you think our parents would have made of this?” he asked Victoria, across from him.
Victoria smiled. “I don’t think it’s quite the union they hoped for. But I’m perfectly happy to have you as an in-law, Victor.”
28) pier
Time Period: Victor's childhood
Notes: Oooh, this one gave me trouble. I had no idea what to do with it. "Alice: Madness Returns" saved me, oddly -- reflecting on the beginning of Chapter 2, where she ends up at a dock where fishing boats are unloading, inspired me to put Victor in a similar place. He ended up as a kid since that seemed the most logical time for Victor to be around fish. (. . .And now I wonder if I didn't subconsciously remember this when putting Victor and Alice in the same spot in one of Alice's memories in "Forgetting You.")
Victor sat on the pier, watching the people around him. Fishermen were everywhere, unloading their fish into piles. Victor curiously touched one nearby – it proved to be slimy. “Ew.”
“Victor? Ah, there you are!” William pulled his son to his feet. “I’m done haggling with the captain of the Progress. We can go.” He patted Victor’s head. “I’m glad I took you with me today. I bet you can’t wait for the day you take over the family business.”
Victor looked down at his hand, dripping slime and fish scales.
He was pretty sure he could wait for that day.
29) concert
Time Period: Anytime -- well, anytime Victor has regular access to a piano
Notes: Just a quick piece on music and what it means to Victor. I've seen one or two fics where Victor ends up a concert pianist, but he's never struck me as the type to want to play in front of a wide audience. Private concerts for friends is more his speed. Originally this had a mention of how he was amazed at how people like Marty could get up and play in front of strangers, but it ended up a)not fitting and b)going over word count, so I cut it pretty early.
Victor was always a little nervous about playing the piano in front of others. Music, for him, was a rather personal experience. He could send his drawings out into the world to be appreciated, but his music – his music welled up from the depths of his soul. Said the things he could never express in mere words. The idea of sharing that with strangers scared him stiff.
With his friends, though. . .he could relax. They understood how important this was for him. They truly appreciated what his music said, what it meant.
Besides, it was fun playing duets with Marty.
30) drive
Time Period: Post-wedding, probably around the time of one of Victor and Alice's anniversaries
Notes: Oh God, this image has been in my head for a WHILE now. Lucky me noticed this prompt and just HAD to do something related to steampunk motorcycles. I just wish the word limit had allowed me to describe it more! Picture lots of gleaming brass and unnecessary cogwheels. (Also, I'm quite certain I had Rihanna's "Shut Up And Drive" stuck in my head during writing this. XD)
When Victor had bought the “motorcycle,” he’d thought he was merely doing something nice for his wife. Alice had expressed a wish for a vehicle of her own, and he’d wanted to find something really special. When he’d come across the motorized bicycle, he had been sure he’d found a winner.
And, well, he supposed he had. Alice loved the thing and its speed. Perhaps a bit too much. Every ride they took together had him clinging to her for dear life. He supposed it was fun, in a way – but all things considered, he’d be sticking to riding Ferdinand.
Time Period: Post-climax of "Secundus," pre-marriage
Notes: Fan language! I remember finding this when I was first doing research on the Victorians and thinking "WTF?" Alice and Victor probably think the same, but I would imagine Aunt Susan would like Alice to know this stuff. I used a list I found online for the gestures Alice demonstrates, but unfortunately it's been a casualty of time.
“So, what does that mean again?”
“‘We’re being watched,’” Alice said, twirling the fan in her left hand. She stopped and held it in front of her face. “And this means I desire an acquaintance.”
“What if you held it in your right?”
Alice switched hands. “‘Follow me.’”
Victor shook his head. “These secret signals make my head spin.”
“They don’t give me much pleasure either, to be honest.” Alice grinned and closed the fan halfway before touching it to her lips. “Know what this means?”
Victor shook his head. “Then let me be straightforward,” she replied, and kissed him.
22) neighbor
Time Period: After "Secundus 2," older kids Notes: I'm really not sure where this came from -- I guess I just wanted to do something featuring Chester's future wife. Allison Laidlaw is a sweet girl who's in the family tree of a couple of different Valice universes -- she's kind of the opposite of Alice, but she gets along pretty well with her mother-in-law. (And yes, everyone does find it amusing that Chester, who looks almost exactly like his father, ends up marrying a girl named Allison.) The mention of "the famous Victor Van Dort" references "83) Author's Choice: hero" -- Victor has quite the reputation after saving Secundus.
Victor didn’t think much of it when the Laidlaws moved onto their street. His family didn’t socialize much with their neighbors, unless Victor needed to capture an escaped experiment. He didn’t expect to see much of them at all.
But then the Laidlaws came visiting, wanting to meet the famous Victor Van Dort. They shared tea and small talk, and Victor decided they seemed like nice people. But he still didn’t expect to see them around often.
Then he noticed the way Chester was looking at their daughter Allison. Suddenly, he knew he’d be seeing a lot of the Laidlaws.
23) garden
Time Period: After "Secundus 2," older kids
Notes: Just something exploring Lorina's chosen love for a change. I like the idea of her being a plant enthusiast to complement Victor's love of butterflies. (And, of course, her habit of talking to plants isn't as crazy when sometimes the plants talk back. :p)
Victor’s interest in plants and flowers had always been a natural extension of his interest in insects. He loved any plant that could help feed his growing rabble of modified butterflies. Beyond that, Victor didn’t give them much thought.
Lorina, though, loved plants. She knew the scientific name of every one that grew around the house. And she knew the best way to care for them all – how much sun, how much water. She even carried on conversations with them, like they were old friends.
So it was no surprise to Victor when his daughter’s chosen Touched field was botany.
24) nap
Time Period: Marriage period between "Secundus" and "Secundus 2"
Notes:This was another one that gave me problems in getting it down to size. I was about to abandon the story and try something else when I got the idea to do it as Victor's thoughts (with a little interjection from Alice at the end). Poor Victor, his insomnia doesn't give him a break. This is probably also the moment where I came up with the idea that Victor really loves getting his hair stroked.
Oh, why does my mind hate me? All I want is a hour or two of sleep. Not even a full night! Just something to recharge myself before I go back into the lab. Instead I find myself staring at the ceiling. Of course.
Perhaps I should just go back to my butterflies. No, my notes were getting to be little more than squiggles. No going back until I sleep. Maybe turning over will help.
No, of course it doesn’t. I – wait, is that Alice? Why is she stroking my hair like–
Actually, that – that feels. . .nice. . . .
“Sleep tight, Victor.”
25) lotion
Time Period: Victor and Alice's honeymoon
Notes: Another one that toes the "risque" line. I had no idea what to do with this prompt until I came up with the idea of a back massage. You could consider this a companion fic to "7) sunburn" and "19) itch."
The lotion is cold against his skin, a sudden shock of sensation that almost makes him yelp. Then he feels Alice’s hands against his back, making slow, wide circles as she rubs the lotion in. Warmth replaces the chill, making him sigh happily. Her fingers dig into his muscles, finding the tense spots and gently kneading them away. Victor can feel the stress draining out of his body as she rubs, leaving him limp and comfortable under those hands. Even his mind feels relaxed.
For all her talk about his skills, Alice has some pretty talented fingers of her own.
26) alcohol
Time Period: Anytime
Notes: I always thought it would hilarious if shy, quiet Victor turned out to be a chatty drunk. I don't get to play around with any of my Victors like this often, so it was really fun to write this. Poor Marty, he was just trying to get his friend to relax. . . I think this is also the first real appearance of one of my headcanons for Victor -- that he actually DID know girls before the arranged marriage, but he never made a good impression on them. This one in particular.
“So then I was walking around with this girl and like I always do I trip and fall and somehow I land right on top of her, and she’s so angry she can’t even speak, and I’m desperately apologizing, and then I see the town crier – did I tell you about the town crier? Worst busybody on the planet. Our town is so boring he has to go around yelling everybody’s personal gossip. Sometimes I wanted to weld his mouth shut. Anyway – where was I? Oh, yes, he’s staring. . .”
“Doc?”
“Yes, Marty?”
“Remind me to never get Victor drunk again.”
27) party
Time Period: Adult children era
Notes: I'm not sure what inspired this drabble, besides the fact that I've already worked out family trees up to everyone's grandchildren. Fun fact: Most of the kids marry one another in this verse. For example, Marty's son Douglas marries Victor's daughter Lorina, while Marty's daughter Marlene marries Doc's son Jules.
Yes, I do like making everyone related, why do you ask?
It was quite the reception, Victor noted. The tables at the wedding breakfast were completely filled with friends and family. Everyone was eating, talking, and laughing.
He glanced over at the bride and groom. His son Vincent had a grin from ear to ear, while Mabel practically glowed. It made Victor happy to see a pair so deeply in love. “What do you think our parents would have made of this?” he asked Victoria, across from him.
Victoria smiled. “I don’t think it’s quite the union they hoped for. But I’m perfectly happy to have you as an in-law, Victor.”
28) pier
Time Period: Victor's childhood
Notes: Oooh, this one gave me trouble. I had no idea what to do with it. "Alice: Madness Returns" saved me, oddly -- reflecting on the beginning of Chapter 2, where she ends up at a dock where fishing boats are unloading, inspired me to put Victor in a similar place. He ended up as a kid since that seemed the most logical time for Victor to be around fish. (. . .And now I wonder if I didn't subconsciously remember this when putting Victor and Alice in the same spot in one of Alice's memories in "Forgetting You.")
Victor sat on the pier, watching the people around him. Fishermen were everywhere, unloading their fish into piles. Victor curiously touched one nearby – it proved to be slimy. “Ew.”
“Victor? Ah, there you are!” William pulled his son to his feet. “I’m done haggling with the captain of the Progress. We can go.” He patted Victor’s head. “I’m glad I took you with me today. I bet you can’t wait for the day you take over the family business.”
Victor looked down at his hand, dripping slime and fish scales.
He was pretty sure he could wait for that day.
29) concert
Time Period: Anytime -- well, anytime Victor has regular access to a piano
Notes: Just a quick piece on music and what it means to Victor. I've seen one or two fics where Victor ends up a concert pianist, but he's never struck me as the type to want to play in front of a wide audience. Private concerts for friends is more his speed. Originally this had a mention of how he was amazed at how people like Marty could get up and play in front of strangers, but it ended up a)not fitting and b)going over word count, so I cut it pretty early.
Victor was always a little nervous about playing the piano in front of others. Music, for him, was a rather personal experience. He could send his drawings out into the world to be appreciated, but his music – his music welled up from the depths of his soul. Said the things he could never express in mere words. The idea of sharing that with strangers scared him stiff.
With his friends, though. . .he could relax. They understood how important this was for him. They truly appreciated what his music said, what it meant.
Besides, it was fun playing duets with Marty.
30) drive
Time Period: Post-wedding, probably around the time of one of Victor and Alice's anniversaries
Notes: Oh God, this image has been in my head for a WHILE now. Lucky me noticed this prompt and just HAD to do something related to steampunk motorcycles. I just wish the word limit had allowed me to describe it more! Picture lots of gleaming brass and unnecessary cogwheels. (Also, I'm quite certain I had Rihanna's "Shut Up And Drive" stuck in my head during writing this. XD)
When Victor had bought the “motorcycle,” he’d thought he was merely doing something nice for his wife. Alice had expressed a wish for a vehicle of her own, and he’d wanted to find something really special. When he’d come across the motorized bicycle, he had been sure he’d found a winner.
And, well, he supposed he had. Alice loved the thing and its speed. Perhaps a bit too much. Every ride they took together had him clinging to her for dear life. He supposed it was fun, in a way – but all things considered, he’d be sticking to riding Ferdinand.