100 Drabbles of 2012 #81-90
81) Author's Choice: choice
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus" – pre-Victor's birth, in fact
Notes: I dunno why, but I decided I wanted to do a drabble about Nell and William getting together. For some reason, it took a while to hammer out. They're a very unromantic couple. (Also, yes, I do have an "Author's Choice: author" prompt to go with this – it's down below at 88!)
Nell Butler had certain requirements when it came to choosing a husband. She wanted someone who was rich, first and foremost. Someone who could keep her in the style she wished to become accustomed to. He also had to be somebody – a noble, preferably, but at the very least someone who was making the effort to be upwardly mobile. And he had to be the type who wouldn’t argue and get in her way.
William Van Dort learned he was the only one who fit all those criteria the day Nell marched up to him and declared he would do.
82) Author's Choice: instrument
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," early teenage kids era
Notes: I dunno why, but Chester playing the guitar just seems right to me. It lets him be musical while also being different from his dad. Victor does get to teach one of his kids his favored instrument, though – Vincent takes to it pretty quickly.
“You – want to learn the guitar?”
Chester smiled at his father’s rather confused face. His dad always had the funniest expressions. (Of course, the humor was undercut slightly by the knowledge that he had the exact same ones.) “I do. I know you wanted to teach me piano, but – well, hearing Marty play. . . .” He searched for the exact words to describe the thrill he’d gotten, listening to the music. The excitement that had raced down his spine.
His father seemed to understand already though. “I see. Well then – I think Marty wouldn’t mind giving you lessons.”
Chester grinned. “Thanks Dad.”
83) Author's Choice: overstimulation
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," Alice's childhood (or kind of lack of it)
Notes: Written for the 6/14/2012 charloft drabble prompt, this was inspired by one of Dr. Wilson's journal entries in the casebook that came with the original Alice game, and a memory from "Alice: Madness Returns." The entry in question is the one from "10 December 1864," which comments that burns that massive must cause great discomfort, yet you'd never know it from the way she lies there so still. The memory is one from the Deluded Depths, which makes a mention of her skin being "as brittle as carp scales." It got me thinking about how sensitive burned skin is, and we got this.
Nurse Vivian’s least favorite part of her job was changing the bandages on young burn victims. No matter how gentle she was, the children always cried from the pain. It made her feel absolutely helpless. How could you effectively treat someone when even the slightest touch could cause them agony?
When Alice had been brought in, Vivian had been horrified to see the extent of her burns. She’d braced herself for the first bandage change, certain she would have to deal with screams like she’d never heard before.
Alice, however, remained completely silent through it all.
Somehow, that was worse.
84) Author's Choice: escape
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," Doc and Marty Hill Valley era
Notes: Just a little drabble on the crazy incident that sent Marty and Doc fleeing to Secundus in the first place. As mentioned, what became "51) staycation" was originally for this prompt, but I realized that one fit that prompt better and thought up something better for this one.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know! It wasn’t – we didn’t mean for anything to catch on fire!” Marty ran his hands through his hair. “And we definitely didn’t mean to piss off the mayor!”
“Yeah, he’s about ready to call for blood, little brother,” Dave commented. “If I were you, I’d get out of the country.”
“Actually, that’s a good idea,” George said. “How about you and Doc leave for your trip to Secundus a little early, Marty?”
“You actually want me to go to the Mad Science Capital of the World now?”
“They’re better prepared for this sort of mayhem.”
85) Author's Choice: letter
Time Period: "Secundus," pre-Chapter 6 (the parents' arrival)
Notes: Dunno what prompted this one – I guess I just wanted to show a bit of what William and Nell were thinking and doing during the first few chapters of "Secundus."
The first letter that came, Nell and William immediately dismissed as a prank. Their son Victor in the Mad Science Capital of the World? Claiming to have gotten a job there? The very idea was ludicrous.
But then the second letter came. And the third. All in Victor’s handwriting. All postmarked from Secundus. All talking about how happy he was there.
The idea of writing back crossed their minds, but was rejected. Obviously their son was writing these under some sort of duress. A written reply would do no good.
And so plans were made to take a little trip. . . .
86) Author's Choice: check
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-"Secundus 2"
Notes: Prompt taken from the 6/28/2012 Thursday drabble prompt at charloft about the many meanings and uses of the word "check." I went with "checking up on things," which naturally lent itself to Alice asking Victor to make sure nothing was going to set their house on fire. It's a persistent fear she has, and she never quite gets over it. Can you blame her?
“So?”
“I checked everything,” Victor told her, slipping into bed again. “Every candle is out, every lamp is extinguished, and every log in every fireplace is dead. There’s nothing that could cause disaster should it fall over or roll out.”
Alice nodded, feeling rather silly now. “I’m sorry I made you do that,” she mumbled. “I just – that nightmare–”
“I understand,” Victor whispered, pulling her close. “I don’t mind, really.”
Alice hugged him tight. She knew one day he’d have to leave her – there was no helping that.
But, with God as her witness, it would not be by fire.
87) Author's Choice: glasses
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," grown kids era
Notes: For some reason, it amuses me to make an older Victor wear glasses. The joke of the piece was inspired by a Corpse Bride fic (Armchair Reflections) where Victoria, after asking one of her daughters where her corsets are (said daughter is playing flapper), says with horror that she's turning into her mother. Victor's response was to assure her he'd never let that happen. As for my Victor – better William than Maudeline.
The opening of the front door alerted Alice to the fact her husband was home. She walked over to find Victor’s back to her, as he apparently stared at the front door. “Well?” she asked. “What did the optometrist say?”
Victor’s response was to turn around – and reveal he was wearing a pair of glasses. Along with a rather adorable sulky expression. Alice chuckled. “Oh, I see. Are they really worth the pout?”
“I feel like my father,” Victor mumbled, not looking at her.
Alice gently lifted his chin to meet his eyes. “Trust me – you’re miles better than William.”
88) Author's Choice: author
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," the simultaneous pregnancies era
Notes: The other drabble I wrote for the 27th anniversary of BTTF's release (the first being "55) wave"). Because Drabble 88 had to be BTTF-themed. I came up with an idea right away – and look, here's the author's half of the "author's choice!"
“So, what do you want to name him or her?”
Clara looked up at her husband with a smile. “Oh, I had an idea – one that I was pretty sure I would never use,” she said.
“Oh? Why?”
“Well, first because I wasn’t sure I was ever going to get married and have children. Second because I didn’t think my hypothetical husband would like it.” She snuggled up against Emmett. “But I’m sure you will.”
“And how do you know that?” Emmett teased.
“Because I always wanted to name a child – after my favorite author.”
Emmett grinned. “Jules, then?”
“Or Julia.”
89) Author's Choice: traitor
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-Victor and Alice's wedding
Notes: Written for the 7/5/2012 charloft drabble prompt. The word given just made me want to do something from the parents' points of view. I suppose you can understand why they might feel this way toward Victor and Victoria – they've spent their entire lives "knowing" Touched are evil and Secundus is a horrible place – but I still don't feel very sympathetic to them.
The trip back to Burtonsville was a quiet one, with everyone brooding over recent events. Lady Everglot was the one to finally break the silence. “We know how you feel,” she said awkwardly. “Our child–”
“Is getting a rich, important husband,” Nell snapped. “He may be a little odd, but he’s still got a title, and money. Our son – our son is now one of them. Don’t even pretend you understand.”
Lady Everglot looked affronted. “I was just trying to be polite,” she sniffed. “Considering both our children betrayed us.”
“Yes – but you’ll still be able to acknowledge yours in public.”
90) Author's Choice: anniversary
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-"Secundus 2"
Notes: Written in honor of Victor & Alice's anniversary! (Well, fic-verse one.) As such, let's have some fluffy anniversary fic based off the wedding vows. Or, specifically, one of Victor's screw-ups: "With this hand, I will cup your – oh goodness no!" (I wanted to actually put that line somewhere in the fic, but it just didn't fit.)
“Happy anniversary, my love.”
Alice smiled as she accepted the lily. “Thank you.”
“Oh, you’re quite welcome.” Victor sat down next to her. “Can you believe it? Married for a full year. . . .”
“I bet you’ve forgotten your wedding vows by now,” Alice teased.
Victor smirked at her. “With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.”
“Not bad,” Alice nodded. “Though I’m sure I have a better use for your hands. . . .”
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus" – pre-Victor's birth, in fact
Notes: I dunno why, but I decided I wanted to do a drabble about Nell and William getting together. For some reason, it took a while to hammer out. They're a very unromantic couple. (Also, yes, I do have an "Author's Choice: author" prompt to go with this – it's down below at 88!)
Nell Butler had certain requirements when it came to choosing a husband. She wanted someone who was rich, first and foremost. Someone who could keep her in the style she wished to become accustomed to. He also had to be somebody – a noble, preferably, but at the very least someone who was making the effort to be upwardly mobile. And he had to be the type who wouldn’t argue and get in her way.
William Van Dort learned he was the only one who fit all those criteria the day Nell marched up to him and declared he would do.
82) Author's Choice: instrument
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," early teenage kids era
Notes: I dunno why, but Chester playing the guitar just seems right to me. It lets him be musical while also being different from his dad. Victor does get to teach one of his kids his favored instrument, though – Vincent takes to it pretty quickly.
“You – want to learn the guitar?”
Chester smiled at his father’s rather confused face. His dad always had the funniest expressions. (Of course, the humor was undercut slightly by the knowledge that he had the exact same ones.) “I do. I know you wanted to teach me piano, but – well, hearing Marty play. . . .” He searched for the exact words to describe the thrill he’d gotten, listening to the music. The excitement that had raced down his spine.
His father seemed to understand already though. “I see. Well then – I think Marty wouldn’t mind giving you lessons.”
Chester grinned. “Thanks Dad.”
83) Author's Choice: overstimulation
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," Alice's childhood (or kind of lack of it)
Notes: Written for the 6/14/2012 charloft drabble prompt, this was inspired by one of Dr. Wilson's journal entries in the casebook that came with the original Alice game, and a memory from "Alice: Madness Returns." The entry in question is the one from "10 December 1864," which comments that burns that massive must cause great discomfort, yet you'd never know it from the way she lies there so still. The memory is one from the Deluded Depths, which makes a mention of her skin being "as brittle as carp scales." It got me thinking about how sensitive burned skin is, and we got this.
Nurse Vivian’s least favorite part of her job was changing the bandages on young burn victims. No matter how gentle she was, the children always cried from the pain. It made her feel absolutely helpless. How could you effectively treat someone when even the slightest touch could cause them agony?
When Alice had been brought in, Vivian had been horrified to see the extent of her burns. She’d braced herself for the first bandage change, certain she would have to deal with screams like she’d never heard before.
Alice, however, remained completely silent through it all.
Somehow, that was worse.
84) Author's Choice: escape
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," Doc and Marty Hill Valley era
Notes: Just a little drabble on the crazy incident that sent Marty and Doc fleeing to Secundus in the first place. As mentioned, what became "51) staycation" was originally for this prompt, but I realized that one fit that prompt better and thought up something better for this one.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know! It wasn’t – we didn’t mean for anything to catch on fire!” Marty ran his hands through his hair. “And we definitely didn’t mean to piss off the mayor!”
“Yeah, he’s about ready to call for blood, little brother,” Dave commented. “If I were you, I’d get out of the country.”
“Actually, that’s a good idea,” George said. “How about you and Doc leave for your trip to Secundus a little early, Marty?”
“You actually want me to go to the Mad Science Capital of the World now?”
“They’re better prepared for this sort of mayhem.”
85) Author's Choice: letter
Time Period: "Secundus," pre-Chapter 6 (the parents' arrival)
Notes: Dunno what prompted this one – I guess I just wanted to show a bit of what William and Nell were thinking and doing during the first few chapters of "Secundus."
The first letter that came, Nell and William immediately dismissed as a prank. Their son Victor in the Mad Science Capital of the World? Claiming to have gotten a job there? The very idea was ludicrous.
But then the second letter came. And the third. All in Victor’s handwriting. All postmarked from Secundus. All talking about how happy he was there.
The idea of writing back crossed their minds, but was rejected. Obviously their son was writing these under some sort of duress. A written reply would do no good.
And so plans were made to take a little trip. . . .
86) Author's Choice: check
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-"Secundus 2"
Notes: Prompt taken from the 6/28/2012 Thursday drabble prompt at charloft about the many meanings and uses of the word "check." I went with "checking up on things," which naturally lent itself to Alice asking Victor to make sure nothing was going to set their house on fire. It's a persistent fear she has, and she never quite gets over it. Can you blame her?
“So?”
“I checked everything,” Victor told her, slipping into bed again. “Every candle is out, every lamp is extinguished, and every log in every fireplace is dead. There’s nothing that could cause disaster should it fall over or roll out.”
Alice nodded, feeling rather silly now. “I’m sorry I made you do that,” she mumbled. “I just – that nightmare–”
“I understand,” Victor whispered, pulling her close. “I don’t mind, really.”
Alice hugged him tight. She knew one day he’d have to leave her – there was no helping that.
But, with God as her witness, it would not be by fire.
87) Author's Choice: glasses
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," grown kids era
Notes: For some reason, it amuses me to make an older Victor wear glasses. The joke of the piece was inspired by a Corpse Bride fic (Armchair Reflections) where Victoria, after asking one of her daughters where her corsets are (said daughter is playing flapper), says with horror that she's turning into her mother. Victor's response was to assure her he'd never let that happen. As for my Victor – better William than Maudeline.
The opening of the front door alerted Alice to the fact her husband was home. She walked over to find Victor’s back to her, as he apparently stared at the front door. “Well?” she asked. “What did the optometrist say?”
Victor’s response was to turn around – and reveal he was wearing a pair of glasses. Along with a rather adorable sulky expression. Alice chuckled. “Oh, I see. Are they really worth the pout?”
“I feel like my father,” Victor mumbled, not looking at her.
Alice gently lifted his chin to meet his eyes. “Trust me – you’re miles better than William.”
88) Author's Choice: author
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," the simultaneous pregnancies era
Notes: The other drabble I wrote for the 27th anniversary of BTTF's release (the first being "55) wave"). Because Drabble 88 had to be BTTF-themed. I came up with an idea right away – and look, here's the author's half of the "author's choice!"
“So, what do you want to name him or her?”
Clara looked up at her husband with a smile. “Oh, I had an idea – one that I was pretty sure I would never use,” she said.
“Oh? Why?”
“Well, first because I wasn’t sure I was ever going to get married and have children. Second because I didn’t think my hypothetical husband would like it.” She snuggled up against Emmett. “But I’m sure you will.”
“And how do you know that?” Emmett teased.
“Because I always wanted to name a child – after my favorite author.”
Emmett grinned. “Jules, then?”
“Or Julia.”
89) Author's Choice: traitor
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-Victor and Alice's wedding
Notes: Written for the 7/5/2012 charloft drabble prompt. The word given just made me want to do something from the parents' points of view. I suppose you can understand why they might feel this way toward Victor and Victoria – they've spent their entire lives "knowing" Touched are evil and Secundus is a horrible place – but I still don't feel very sympathetic to them.
The trip back to Burtonsville was a quiet one, with everyone brooding over recent events. Lady Everglot was the one to finally break the silence. “We know how you feel,” she said awkwardly. “Our child–”
“Is getting a rich, important husband,” Nell snapped. “He may be a little odd, but he’s still got a title, and money. Our son – our son is now one of them. Don’t even pretend you understand.”
Lady Everglot looked affronted. “I was just trying to be polite,” she sniffed. “Considering both our children betrayed us.”
“Yes – but you’ll still be able to acknowledge yours in public.”
90) Author's Choice: anniversary
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," pre-"Secundus 2"
Notes: Written in honor of Victor & Alice's anniversary! (Well, fic-verse one.) As such, let's have some fluffy anniversary fic based off the wedding vows. Or, specifically, one of Victor's screw-ups: "With this hand, I will cup your – oh goodness no!" (I wanted to actually put that line somewhere in the fic, but it just didn't fit.)
“Happy anniversary, my love.”
Alice smiled as she accepted the lily. “Thank you.”
“Oh, you’re quite welcome.” Victor sat down next to her. “Can you believe it? Married for a full year. . . .”
“I bet you’ve forgotten your wedding vows by now,” Alice teased.
Victor smirked at her. “With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.”
“Not bad,” Alice nodded. “Though I’m sure I have a better use for your hands. . . .”