Homecoming
Title: Homecoming
Author: Latsin_me
Claim: Underworld (General Series)
Table: DIY
Prompt: Anger
Rating: K-T
Summary: Finally, after over a week of hardly pleasant battles and problems, Amelia's finally coming home to New York. And everything is perfect... Until János screws up.
Notes: (This is kind of set between Ups And Downs and Requiem For Peace. Can be read on its own, though.)
She was quite relieved to finally step out of the taxi and onto the pavement driveway leading to the New York Coven mansion. And yet, being here alone made her have to stop her eyes from turning green. How dare Selene and Michael abandon her at the airport?
They had left, yes, but that wasn’t all: She had no money but for a small amount in a decaying credit card they’d grabbed from the last death dealer safe house they’d been in, which meant the amount left was barely anything. She’d depleted the card and been lucky enough to be able to afford the coach flight and taxi ride. Never had she driven in a taxi before. And, adding to it the fact she’d had to move along with humans for the whole day, first the oversized man snoring on her left and the ever-sneezing, panicked woman on her right in the flight, then the taxi driver, who was far too curious for his own good. Her stomach had been growling, in protest at being denied a decent meal the whole day. She could not do much longer without sustenance. The first rush of fresh air going through her lungs after the ride was precious. She hadn’t even been able to ask him to lower the windows, for it was winter, and, even if she didn’t feel the cold, he certainly did. She was more relaxed when she was out of the painfully yellow car, and handed the simple driver his pay with a smile on her face.
She had gone almost a week without any communication with János, and, at the thought of him, she smiled fondly. He had kept everything under control in her absence, of which she was proud. He could be as dumb as he wanted, just as well as he could behave and take command. A remarkable skill, really, and one she’d never understand. At first, she had been afraid he would just lock himself up in his room and let the other nobles handle the situation. He was, after all, as attached to her as she was to him, perhaps even more.
His trying to pry into her mind had been what had at first called her back to this world, and away from the clutches of eternal sleep. She was grateful. Since then, and through the next week, she had gone through a lot, including killing her former Marcus, his death just a few days behind Viktor’s. Out of the three Elders, only she remained. This was a lonely existence, she knew, and yet she couldn’t help but feeling abandonment. János was the only one who had stood by her side through everything for the past centuries, and she would go as far as to say he would stand by her in the future and until the day either of them died. She had longed to see him again many times this week, to somehow return to the normalcy she knew and loved, and even if that was now impossible, she still wanted to see him and remember.
She walked past the ornamented metal gate to the grounds, and over the driveway. The nearly full moon and brightly shining stars helped give the night a peaceful appearance, even though a few kilometers away from the mansion, New York City was brimming with life, even in the middle of the night. But here, in the Coven, life was lived at night. By now, it was likely that everyone was dancing, or lounging on elegant chairs or couches in the main hall.
Then, the door to the mansion opened, revealing a figure in an Armani suit, surrounded by three bodyguards, rushing to meet her. Amelia’s mouth turned up slightly, in a gesture of amusement. She kept strolling, waiting for them to be close enough.
“My, I never thought I’d be missed! You didn’t have to wait for-“ She started, then stopped at János hugging her. She patted his back lightly, her arms, too, around him.
“I’m really glad you’re back.” He whispered, then broke the embrace and laced an arm through hers.
“Why? I was certain you would have gladly taken over and were smoking inside. The political quarrels would have kept you entertained.” She quipped. He quickly caught on and smiled.
“My lady, I would have quit smoking and given away my guitar if that would have helped getting you here sooner to rescue me from the endless meetings I was submitted to.” Amelia laughed, knowing he wouldn’t have done anything of the sort.
“Perhaps, János, I will leave you at the noblemen’s mercy again, if that will keep you away from your vices.”
“No.” His face expressed fear. “You wouldn’t.” Then he rolled his eyes. “Amelia do you have an idea how worried I was? I knew I should have gone with you on that trip, but you wouldn’t have it.”
“Oh, do relax, nothing happened.” She tapped his shoulder, deciding not to mention the fact that she was not exactly the same Vampire she’d left as. She had no idea what the blood of Alexander Corvinus would do to her, or if it would work to counteract Raze’s bite.
They entered the mansion, and, though it was very much the same, with the grand staircase leading to the upper floor in its middle, and the checkered marble floor clicking under their feet, Amelia had the sensation something was amiss. János led her wordlessly to her chambers, just next to his own, through halls framed by statues and portraits. As soon as they stepped through her dark oak door, she remembered.
“János?” She called. After a mumble from him, she continued. “Why haven’t the Ziodex representatives arrived?” She turned so she was standing in front of him.
“Because I canceled your meeting.” He shrugged.
“And, why do you delude yourself by thinking you have the right to do that?” Her hands went to her hips.
Another shrug. “I didn’t wanna go. Besides, you were on your way.”
She threw her head back. “You’re impossible! I can’t believe you would go to such extents to avoid your responsibilities! What’s going to be your next excuse?” She was seething. Everything had been perfect, up to this… this mess. She had thought that, perhaps, János had changed his ways and committed to something, but no.
“I only asked you a favor! To keep things up while I was gone. Now, I’m fully aware I’m back, thank you, but just try to fit this in your head: We are no longer a part of Ördögház, and, before this last week, it was not in my plans to unite the covens again. Imagine what would have happened in the next two centuries, what with you running the coven and ignoring meetings and compromises as you please.”
She was dressed as a human, to be able to get past Airport security, and she had taken the Red Eye home, then slept through the day in a hotel. The clothes were by far too inappropriate for a meeting of such importance, and she needed a shower. She took off her boots, sending them straight to the wastebasket. The floor was cold on her feet, but right now she gave the fact no importance. A hand went to her head and removed the accessories, letting it fall freely over her shoulders. Her eyes wandered to the clock standing on the corner.
“You are to call Ziodex and tell them we will meet tonight, in half an hour. If we’re lucky, the representatives will get home before dawn. If not, have the maids prepare five guest rooms.” She combed out her hair.
“Uh, my lady, what are you doing?” János watched her walk from one side of the room to the other, collecting an attire.
“Trying to fix the mess you made. Now go and do as you were told.” She dismissed him, growling.
He stayed, commenting, “It’s not necessary, you know? I called and rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow night. I may be lazy, Amelia, but I’m well aware we rely on Ziodex for sustenance. It’s not in our best interest to get on their bad side.” János commented, adding an “I’m not dumb.” For good measure, walking over to the door, his shoes clicking on the floor. But before he could leave, as he intended, Amelia softly asked, “Why?”
He smiled softly, sadly. “I have missed you. You have no idea how much. And I was worried. Everything that happened to you, I could feel it on my own skin. I can’t stand it, you have to tell me what went on.” He said, anguished, and then sighed. “But I see it will have to be another time.” His hand went to the doorknob. Oh, he was faking. This was not the first of such misunderstandings with Amelia, and he wanted to test how interested she herself was in this meeting. He could barely restrain his smirk when she asked him to wait, almost pleading. He turned to see her sit down on the couch and pat the place beside her.
“I guess there’s really not a problem, if we postpone the ramblings of those scientists just one night, correct?” Her smile was back, tentatively testing his mood.
Her anger had vanished, and she was willing to talk to him and all but forget the coven, if just for tonight. And, as he sat down, she rested her head on his shoulder.
They had the other figured out, which made their relationship quite practical, and easy. At first, it had just been a matter of returning a favor. He had saved her, and she him, from death. Then, as the centuries passed, out of convenience they’d stayed together. Amelia had taught him everything he needed to be a vampire. Later, they remained together out of choice. He had stayed by her side while she ruled, fading into the background as she slumbered. People had gotten used to this, and only ever kept János in their sights in the centuries Amelia sat on the throne. They both started to take their relationship for granted, and soon, it was of necessity they stayed together. Their blood bond greatly helped in this.
And it was exactly this necessity that drove them to be as close as they were. What their feelings were for one another ranged between friendship and brotherhood, never quite reaching love.
Author: Latsin_me
Claim: Underworld (General Series)
Table: DIY
Prompt: Anger
Rating: K-T
Summary: Finally, after over a week of hardly pleasant battles and problems, Amelia's finally coming home to New York. And everything is perfect... Until János screws up.
Notes: (This is kind of set between Ups And Downs and Requiem For Peace. Can be read on its own, though.)
She was quite relieved to finally step out of the taxi and onto the pavement driveway leading to the New York Coven mansion. And yet, being here alone made her have to stop her eyes from turning green. How dare Selene and Michael abandon her at the airport?
They had left, yes, but that wasn’t all: She had no money but for a small amount in a decaying credit card they’d grabbed from the last death dealer safe house they’d been in, which meant the amount left was barely anything. She’d depleted the card and been lucky enough to be able to afford the coach flight and taxi ride. Never had she driven in a taxi before. And, adding to it the fact she’d had to move along with humans for the whole day, first the oversized man snoring on her left and the ever-sneezing, panicked woman on her right in the flight, then the taxi driver, who was far too curious for his own good. Her stomach had been growling, in protest at being denied a decent meal the whole day. She could not do much longer without sustenance. The first rush of fresh air going through her lungs after the ride was precious. She hadn’t even been able to ask him to lower the windows, for it was winter, and, even if she didn’t feel the cold, he certainly did. She was more relaxed when she was out of the painfully yellow car, and handed the simple driver his pay with a smile on her face.
She had gone almost a week without any communication with János, and, at the thought of him, she smiled fondly. He had kept everything under control in her absence, of which she was proud. He could be as dumb as he wanted, just as well as he could behave and take command. A remarkable skill, really, and one she’d never understand. At first, she had been afraid he would just lock himself up in his room and let the other nobles handle the situation. He was, after all, as attached to her as she was to him, perhaps even more.
His trying to pry into her mind had been what had at first called her back to this world, and away from the clutches of eternal sleep. She was grateful. Since then, and through the next week, she had gone through a lot, including killing her former Marcus, his death just a few days behind Viktor’s. Out of the three Elders, only she remained. This was a lonely existence, she knew, and yet she couldn’t help but feeling abandonment. János was the only one who had stood by her side through everything for the past centuries, and she would go as far as to say he would stand by her in the future and until the day either of them died. She had longed to see him again many times this week, to somehow return to the normalcy she knew and loved, and even if that was now impossible, she still wanted to see him and remember.
She walked past the ornamented metal gate to the grounds, and over the driveway. The nearly full moon and brightly shining stars helped give the night a peaceful appearance, even though a few kilometers away from the mansion, New York City was brimming with life, even in the middle of the night. But here, in the Coven, life was lived at night. By now, it was likely that everyone was dancing, or lounging on elegant chairs or couches in the main hall.
Then, the door to the mansion opened, revealing a figure in an Armani suit, surrounded by three bodyguards, rushing to meet her. Amelia’s mouth turned up slightly, in a gesture of amusement. She kept strolling, waiting for them to be close enough.
“My, I never thought I’d be missed! You didn’t have to wait for-“ She started, then stopped at János hugging her. She patted his back lightly, her arms, too, around him.
“I’m really glad you’re back.” He whispered, then broke the embrace and laced an arm through hers.
“Why? I was certain you would have gladly taken over and were smoking inside. The political quarrels would have kept you entertained.” She quipped. He quickly caught on and smiled.
“My lady, I would have quit smoking and given away my guitar if that would have helped getting you here sooner to rescue me from the endless meetings I was submitted to.” Amelia laughed, knowing he wouldn’t have done anything of the sort.
“Perhaps, János, I will leave you at the noblemen’s mercy again, if that will keep you away from your vices.”
“No.” His face expressed fear. “You wouldn’t.” Then he rolled his eyes. “Amelia do you have an idea how worried I was? I knew I should have gone with you on that trip, but you wouldn’t have it.”
“Oh, do relax, nothing happened.” She tapped his shoulder, deciding not to mention the fact that she was not exactly the same Vampire she’d left as. She had no idea what the blood of Alexander Corvinus would do to her, or if it would work to counteract Raze’s bite.
They entered the mansion, and, though it was very much the same, with the grand staircase leading to the upper floor in its middle, and the checkered marble floor clicking under their feet, Amelia had the sensation something was amiss. János led her wordlessly to her chambers, just next to his own, through halls framed by statues and portraits. As soon as they stepped through her dark oak door, she remembered.
“János?” She called. After a mumble from him, she continued. “Why haven’t the Ziodex representatives arrived?” She turned so she was standing in front of him.
“Because I canceled your meeting.” He shrugged.
“And, why do you delude yourself by thinking you have the right to do that?” Her hands went to her hips.
Another shrug. “I didn’t wanna go. Besides, you were on your way.”
She threw her head back. “You’re impossible! I can’t believe you would go to such extents to avoid your responsibilities! What’s going to be your next excuse?” She was seething. Everything had been perfect, up to this… this mess. She had thought that, perhaps, János had changed his ways and committed to something, but no.
“I only asked you a favor! To keep things up while I was gone. Now, I’m fully aware I’m back, thank you, but just try to fit this in your head: We are no longer a part of Ördögház, and, before this last week, it was not in my plans to unite the covens again. Imagine what would have happened in the next two centuries, what with you running the coven and ignoring meetings and compromises as you please.”
She was dressed as a human, to be able to get past Airport security, and she had taken the Red Eye home, then slept through the day in a hotel. The clothes were by far too inappropriate for a meeting of such importance, and she needed a shower. She took off her boots, sending them straight to the wastebasket. The floor was cold on her feet, but right now she gave the fact no importance. A hand went to her head and removed the accessories, letting it fall freely over her shoulders. Her eyes wandered to the clock standing on the corner.
“You are to call Ziodex and tell them we will meet tonight, in half an hour. If we’re lucky, the representatives will get home before dawn. If not, have the maids prepare five guest rooms.” She combed out her hair.
“Uh, my lady, what are you doing?” János watched her walk from one side of the room to the other, collecting an attire.
“Trying to fix the mess you made. Now go and do as you were told.” She dismissed him, growling.
He stayed, commenting, “It’s not necessary, you know? I called and rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow night. I may be lazy, Amelia, but I’m well aware we rely on Ziodex for sustenance. It’s not in our best interest to get on their bad side.” János commented, adding an “I’m not dumb.” For good measure, walking over to the door, his shoes clicking on the floor. But before he could leave, as he intended, Amelia softly asked, “Why?”
He smiled softly, sadly. “I have missed you. You have no idea how much. And I was worried. Everything that happened to you, I could feel it on my own skin. I can’t stand it, you have to tell me what went on.” He said, anguished, and then sighed. “But I see it will have to be another time.” His hand went to the doorknob. Oh, he was faking. This was not the first of such misunderstandings with Amelia, and he wanted to test how interested she herself was in this meeting. He could barely restrain his smirk when she asked him to wait, almost pleading. He turned to see her sit down on the couch and pat the place beside her.
“I guess there’s really not a problem, if we postpone the ramblings of those scientists just one night, correct?” Her smile was back, tentatively testing his mood.
Her anger had vanished, and she was willing to talk to him and all but forget the coven, if just for tonight. And, as he sat down, she rested her head on his shoulder.
They had the other figured out, which made their relationship quite practical, and easy. At first, it had just been a matter of returning a favor. He had saved her, and she him, from death. Then, as the centuries passed, out of convenience they’d stayed together. Amelia had taught him everything he needed to be a vampire. Later, they remained together out of choice. He had stayed by her side while she ruled, fading into the background as she slumbered. People had gotten used to this, and only ever kept János in their sights in the centuries Amelia sat on the throne. They both started to take their relationship for granted, and soon, it was of necessity they stayed together. Their blood bond greatly helped in this.
And it was exactly this necessity that drove them to be as close as they were. What their feelings were for one another ranged between friendship and brotherhood, never quite reaching love.