"Die Mauer wird in 50 und auch in 100 Jahren noch bestehen bleiben, wenn die dazu vorhandenen Gründe noch nicht beseitigt sind." -- Honecker, 1989 (An rp blog for my OC, Dr. Liliane (Lily) Beilschmidt, (East) Berlin.) Member of Off-Brand Nations
A/N: This is a follow-up fic to my earlier one, "The Best Gift." I would suggest reading that one first, if you haven't already. Read more is for length only.
As her 81st birthday party went on into the night, Lily stepped outside onto her balcony for a bit of fresh air and quiet. She took a deep breath of the cooler, evening air, held it, and let it out slowly. She smiled. This was certainly turning out to be a great birthday.
Feeling the need for a smoke, she pulled out her cigarettes and lit one up. Just as she was placing it in her mouth, she felt a large presence loom over her from behind. Before she could turn around to see who it was, she was swept up in a tight bear hug in arms that wore a top quality Adidas track suit.
“С днем рождения!” shouted a deep voice.
Lily squealed and laughed. “Vanya!” She squirmed in his tight embrace. “I won’t live past 81 if you keep squeezing me so tightly.”
“Oh? You mean like this?” he said, his arms tightening more.
She squeaked. Struggling to breathe, she tried to wriggle out of his hold. This only served to make him chuckle. With one final tight squeeze, he finally set her down gently.
Lily gasped for air. She pretended to glare at him. “You’re not supposed to almost kill the birthday girl,” she scolded him.
“It’s good luck,” he said with a grin.
“Oh it is not.”
He just shrugged, still grinning. Then, he pulled a small gift out from his pocket. “Here, little bird.”
Lily snuffed out her cigarette on an ash tray and then took the gift. She opened it carefully. As the paper came away, it revealed an ornate wooden box with a bear cub carved into the center of the lid. She looked up at the Russian with a huge smile. “It’s lovely.”
“I made it myself. I thought you might be able to put things in it.”
“Oh I will. I will make sure to use it well. Thank you.” She set the gift down on her balcony table and then hugged her friend.
He hugged her back, gently this time. Then he looked around. “So, is this everyone tonight? It’s a small party.”
“I figured that turning 81 didn’t need too big of an affair. I just wanted some friends to come by.”
Ivan nodded. “That’s a good idea. Has your old man stopped by yet? Or is he avoiding me?”
“Oh, actually, he took me to lunch earlier today. He thought that would be nicer for the both of us.”
Ivan raised an eyebrow. “For the both of you? Or for him? I know he never stays long at your parties.”
“It was nice for the both of us. He took me to the Rutz. And then he gave me my gifts when we got back here.”
“What did he give you?”
“A nice journal for me to write my story in, and some nice pens to go with it. And a copy of his first journal for me to read, when I learn some more Latin that is.”
Ivan’s eyebrow went higher. “Is that right?”
“Yes. What’s wrong with that?”
“Oh, nothing. It just seems rather typical of him, to give you something that relates back to him.”
Lily frowned. “I don’t think he meant it that way. I think he meant it as a way to bond with me.”
“If you say so, Lilicheka.”
“I’m serious. Besides, he told me that he loves me.”
Ivan looked confused. “Why should that matter?”
Lily felt a twist in her gut and suddenly wished she hadn’t snuffed out that cigarette. But it would be weird to pick up a new one so soon. “Well it’s…I mean…It’s the first time he’s really ever said it, you know?”
Ivan looked incredulous. “Your father…has never said he loves you?”
“Well not so directly, no. But he’s always said it in other ways,” she said, feeling defensive. “He’s provided for me, looked out for me, guided me. He’s kept me alive.”
“Lilicheka, that is the bare minimum for a father to do. Are you really telling me this man has never said he loves you until now?”
Lily opened her mouth, closed it, and looked away. Her fists balled up tightly and she felt a heat come to her face and eyes. “He’s just not good with saying that sort of thing out loud,” she said, her voice faltering. “I’m sure he’s wanted to say it before.”
“Lilicheka, with all due respect, I have known him far longer than you have. I’ve never known him to mince words or hold back what he thinks unless it suits him. For him to not tell his own daughter that he loves her for 81 years is, quite frankly, suspicious and upsetting.”
Lily shook her head, but she had no words now.
Ivan reached out and pulled her in towards him. He put his arms around her softly. She sniffed and closed her eyes.
“Vanya, why did you have to say that? I was having such a nice birthday. And him saying that meant so much to me.”
Ivan shook his head and stroked her hair. “Lilicheka, you know I have always looked out for you. Even now, when you are not mine anymore, I still care about you. I’m worried for you. If your father can go so long without saying he loves you, what else has he done to you? How else has he neglected you?”
Lily looked down, feeling tears roll down her face. She would never admit to him about the times her father had hurt her, or worse. But she didn’t need to say it out loud. Ivan could tell. She’d never been able to hide the truth from him.
Ivan played with her hair. She couldn’t see it, but his violet-blue eyes shone with a peculiar light as he thought about paying the Prussian a little visit before he went back home. “Little bird,” he said softly, “I am just looking out for you. I would hate to see you fall for some ugly trap. How can you be certain he doesn’t have ulterior motives?”
“He’s my father,” she said, unable to keep the doubt out of her tense voice.
“Exactly. He should have been telling you he loves you from the moment he first saw you.” He stepped back and held her by the shoulders. “Listen to me,” he said, and he waited until she was able to look him in the eyes. “You’re a smart, capable, young woman. I know you’re clever enough to see through a ruse. But you’re also vulnerable to those you seek approval from. You always have been. I’ve always seen that in you.”
Lily felt her face turn red, but she didn’t say anything yet.
He continued. “Don’t fall for this old man’s tricks. Whatever he is planning, it can’t be good for you. You should be on your guard, understand?”
She looked away. But then, she nodded.
“Good,” he said. Then he smiled and kissed her forehead. “As long as you listen to me, you’ll be safe.”
He gave her shoulders a good squeeze and then patted them. “So. I believe I saw some good vodka in there. I think I’ll go enjoy it. Do you want to join me?”
“Maybe later,” she mumbled.
Ivan nodded, looking sympathetic. As he turned to go in, he said, “Have a wonderful rest of your birthday, little bird.”
Lily nodded. She waited until he was back inside her apartment so she could turn around and look out at the city below. Normally, it was a comforting sight. But she could barely see it through the tears welling up in her eyes. So much for having a happy birthday, she thought.
A/N: I felt like writing a story for Lily's birthday. Something very sweet and wholesome happens in it, but I won't spoil it here. Read more is for length.
Lily stood patiently just outside of her apartment building, waiting. The invitation from her father for lunch on her birthday had come two weeks prior, but she was still a bit surprised by it. Normally, he would just come by briefly to the party she was throwing in the evening, give her her gift, and leave. But lately, well, he had been acting differently towards her.
Although he was still the stiff and stern Prussian she’d known all her life, he didn’t have quite the same edge around her anymore. He wasn’t so harsh. She didn’t fear him in the same way anymore either. No longer was he, “Herr Beilschmidt,” or even, “Herr Vater,” to her, but rather he’d become her, “Papa.” It was strange, especially since no one else was getting this kind of treatment from him. But she supposed no one else loved him in quite the way she did, and he must have known that.
The sight of the familiar blue Mercedes-Benz coming around the corner brought her out of her contemplations. She smoothed the front of her dark blue, knee length skirt and cream colored blouse, and instinctively touched the diamond and sapphire headband in her hair. When the car pulled to a stop in front of her, she smiled and sat down inside of it.
“Hello, Papa,” she said brightly. As he turned to look at her with a slight smile, she noticed that his tie was…green? She had never seen him wear a green tie before. It was always blue or black. Why would he suddenly wear green?
“Hello, my dear,” he said in reply, “and happy birthday.”
“Thank you. So, where are we going?” she asked as he pulled away from the curb. “Your invitation only said to dress nicely.”
“I am aware. I wrote it myself. You will see when we get there. It is not too far.”
Lilianne leaned back in her seat and looked out the window. As he drove down the streets she knew so well, she started to form a hypothesis of where they would end up. The closer they got to it, the more convinced she was that she was right. And indeed, when he parked in front of it, she was proven correct.
“The Rutz? You’re taking me to The Rutz?”
“Of course. Is there something wrong with that?”
“Oh no, not at all. I’m just surprised. I never expected that for my birthday. I’m excited.”
“Good. You know I like to do only the best, of course, especially for my daughter.”
Lilianne smiled bashfully and tucked some of her hair behind her ear.
The Prussian opened his car door and stepped out. Before Lilianne could open hers, he had walked around to it and opened it for her. She was surprised again, but kept it to herself this time. They walked into the restaurant side-by-side.
When they entered, her father gave his name to the host for the reservation. After checking the list, the other man nodded. “Right this way, Herr Beilschmidt. I have you on the terrace, just as you requested.” He led them up the stairs to the second floor and out onto a beautiful balcony, then sat them down at a table for two. There were a few other lunch goers, but it was not overly crowded at the moment.
“Will you be having the wine as well today?” asked the staff member.
“Yes,” replied Herr Beilschmidt right away, giving no time for contemplation.
“Very good, sir.” He walked back in to have the kitchen start their food and to retrieve their first wine.
Lilianne looked around. “It’s beautiful up here,” she said.
“It is. And I know how much you love being up high to look down at your city.”
She blushed and smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear again. “I do. This is awfully nice of you, Papa. Thank you.”
He smiled as he rested his cane against the table. “You’re very welcome. But perhaps don’t thank me until the end. There is still more to come.”
“More?”
He chuckled quietly. “Yes, but I won’t tell you what.”
“Not even a hint?”
He shook his head.
“Am I to be on edge with excitement all of lunch then?”
“That is entirely up to you, dear. Personally, I would suggest you relax and enjoy the food and wine. Let the future come when it does.”
She smiled sheepishly and nodded. She looked around the beautiful terrace and took in all the smells around her. Then, she noticed her father staring at her with a fond smile. She looked back at him, the curiosity evident in her eyes.
“Is everything quite alright?” she asked.
“Yes. I was just thinking, how much you remind me of your mother. You look so much like her. And she was observant of things too, just as you are.”
Lilianne felt a warmth spread up her cheeks. “If you don’t mind me saying so, you don’t talk about her much. But when you do, your voice grows softer, and you smile more. Did you love her?”
Her father stared at her, and she worried she had asked the wrong question. But before either of them could say anything, the first of the food and wine arrived, distracting them from the conversation at hand. When the staff disappeared, Herr Beilschmidt changed the subject.
“So, you turn 81 today. It’s not a landmark number, but it is still a nice one. I’m glad to see you’ve made it this far. And I hope to see you make it even further.”
“Thank you. I hope I can last at least as long as you have.”
He chuckled and then took a bite of his food. “I’m sure you will,” he said after swallowing, “After all, you have my blood and determination in you. I’ve seen you rise to many challenges and overcome them already in your short time here so far. I am certain you will be able to accomplish at least that much, if not more.”
“Thank you. It means a lot to me to hear you say that. And I’m sure with your guidance, I will prosper.”
He raised an eyebrow. “My dear, it is your birthday, not mine. You do not need to flatter me.”
“Erm, yes, Papa, of course.”
They continued to eat. When the appetizer plates were being taken away and replaced with the main food, she spoke again.
“May I ask, what were you like when you were my age? What did you get up to?”
Her father looked at her, then looked past her, as though reliving a long, distant memory.
“I was still a young child then, physically and otherwise. However, the Teutonic Knights had by then established themselves in Europe and in the area that was once occupied by the Old Prussians. I was often fighting with pagans.”
“Could you already ride a horse by yourself then? Did you have your own set of armor? Your own sword and shield?”
“Yes, although all of it was quite small, including the horse,” he replied, and she noticed he had a hint of amusement to his voice and face.
“Did you enjoy it? Going around Europe and fighting, that is.”
As her father took a long sip of wine, his eyes never left hers. A hint of doubt crept into her mind, and she wondered if she had asked the wrong question.
“It was a necessity. If I hadn’t done it, I may not have been around for very long. Life has always been a fight for survival, my dear. I hope I have taught you that at the very least.”
She looked down and picked at the food on her plate. “Yes, of course,” she said.
“But to answer your question, yes, I suppose I did enjoy it, at least to some extent. The thrill of battle has always invigorated me.”
Lilianne looked up again. She opened her mouth to ask a question, thought better of it, and closed her mouth and looked away. But he had seen it happen.
“What is it, dear? I give you permission to ask your question.”
She looked at him uncertainly, then mustered up the courage to ask, “Were you ever scared on the battlefield? Did you ever worry you wouldn’t survive?”
To her surprise, he smiled. “Everyone is scared on the battlefield, child. If someone tells you they aren’t, they’re lying. There was always some fear of not making it. But I faced it head on all the same. That is true courage, and it runs in my veins like blood. And I am certain it runs in yours too.”
Lilianne couldn’t help but blush at that, and she sipped some wine to cover it up. They continued to eat in silence for a time, until another question came to her mind.
“Did you ever think I would last this long? Sometimes I feel like an anomaly, like I’m not supposed to be here anymore. I am sure there are those who wish I wasn’t.”
He stared at her in silence, his face unreadable as he slowly chewed. It wasn’t until he had swallowed and drank some more wine that he answered.
“When I first met you, I couldn’t believe that you were alive at all. I thought surely, this had to be some cruel joke of the Russian’s, to taunt me with a child from my wife who had left. But here you were, as alive and real as myself, with a strong spark of life in you. And I found myself determined to keep you that way. As you well know, we did fine for ourselves for several decades. But then our Wall fell and Reunification talks began. And I doubted either of us would make it. I certainly saw that doubt in you too. I remember you losing all hope.”
Lilianne looked down. “Yes, I remember that too,” she mumbled.
“And do you remember talking to me and what I told you?”
“Yes. You said that if I truly wished to die, I might as well do it. But if I wanted to live, I ought to fight for it, instead of waiting around like a coward.”
“Yes. And then I saw that same spark of life I had seen in you as a young child reignite. I saw you determined to stay alive. And you did exactly that, for the both of us. I haven’t forgotten what you’ve done, and the lengths to which you went to keep us both here. Ever since then, I have never doubted your ability to stay alive. You are, after all, Prussia’s daughter, my daughter. That makes you a fighter and a true survivor.”
Lilianne felt her heart swell at his words.
“And as for those who wish you dead,” he continued, shaking his head, “fuck them. There are plenty who wish me dead too, and do you think I spend my energy thinking of them? Hardly. They are not worth the dirt on the bottom of my shoes. And yours aren’t worth it either. I hope you’ll remember that.”
“Yes, Papa, I will.”
“Good. Now let us finish this meal and return to your home. I know you need to get ready for your party tonight.”
Lilianne smiled, nodded, and finished her food and wine in a timely, but unrushed, manner. When they were both done and the bill had been paid, they walked out together and back to his car.
The drive back to her apartment had a cozy, peaceful feel to it. She felt no need to break the quietness, and neither did he. When they arrived and had gotten out of the car, he opened the back door and took out three presents wrapped in dark green paper and with gold ribbon on them. Two of the rectangles were the same size, and the third was much smaller. He caught her staring at them and the corner of his lips went up.
“Patience, dear. You’ll have them when we’re in your home.”
They went inside and took the elevator up to her floor. She unlocked the door to her apartment and held it open for him to come inside with her. They both removed their shoes and went further in. It was clear that she had already begun setting up for her party later that evening, with some decorations on the walls and some snacks already prepped. As they walked through the living room, her cat, Kalashnikov, meowed a greeting from his spot on the couch. Her father glanced at the Russian Blue feline, but kept walking with her.
“Would you like some water?” she asked.
“Yes, that would be fine.”
As she retrieved the bottles from the fridge, he set the gifts down on the dining table. When she handed him the water, he gestured towards them. “You may as well open them now, dear.”
She grinned and set her water down in order to pick up the small box first. She pulled a knife out of a pocket on her skirt to cut the ribbon, and then gently peeled open the paper. Inside was a polished wooden box. She opened that to find two exquisite fountain pens nestled inside the velvet lining.
She looked up at him. “These are lovely. I’m sure I’ll put them to good use.”
“I am sure you will, particularly with the next gift.”
Lilianne reached for the second gift and opened it up in the same manner as before. Inside of this paper was a thick journal with a green leather cover, and her name, “Lilianne Beilschmidt,” engraved in gold on the front.
She looked up at him again. “Oh this is gorgeous, Papa. Thank you.”
He smiled and put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s time you started writing down your story. I would suggest you start from the beginning, and include as many details as you can. Tell me when you’ve almost filled this one, and I will get you another.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes bright.
“Of course. Now, why don’t you open the last one?”
She set the journal down gently and picked up the final gift. She opened it up just as carefully as before. This one was also a journal, but its cover was blue leather, and had the name, “Gilbert Beilschmidt,” engraved on the front in silver.
“This is one of yours?” she asked.
“In a way. It’s actually a copy of my first one. I remember you trying to read them as a child. I think now is as good a time as ever to let you have that privilege.”
Upon hearing this, she eagerly opened it up and scanned the first page. “It’s in Latin,” she said, looking up at him again.
“I know. Since I am teaching you Latin, I thought it would be a good incentive for you to keep up with your studies. It will be some time before you are fluent enough to read it. But I’m sure you will enjoy it when you do. It does have quite a few battles and adventures in it.”
Lilianne grinned. “Oh, then I am sure to love it.” She set it down on the table and then wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you. These gifts and the lunch were all wonderful.”
He rested his free hand on her back. “You’re welcome.”
When she had pulled away and was cleaning up the ribbon and wrapping paper, a thought that he couldn’t ignore wormed its way into his mind.
“Lilianne,” he said, waiting until she looked at him to continue. “Earlier, you asked if I loved your mother. I didn’t answer your question then. But the truth is, yes, I did love her, more than anything. At least, that was true at the time.”
Lilianne looked confused. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean,” he said, his voice growing softer, “that something else has overshadowed the love I had for her.”
She looked even more confused.
He cleared his throat and seemed embarrassed to continue. But, true to his courageous nature, he pressed on. “What I mean to say is, while I will always love her, even with her now gone, there is a love that is more important to me now. It is…my love for you.”
Lilianne felt her heart stop for a beat. Her jaw fell open, and the paper in her hands fell to the floor. She blinked a few times. “Papa, are you saying that…that…”
“That I love you? Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.” He stepped closer to her and gently tucked her hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek. “You’re my daughter. I love you more than anything. And, I am sorry it took me 81 years to say it.”
Just as he predicted she would, she swiftly hugged him tightly, pressing her face into his shoulder. He set his cane against the counter and carefully hugged her back. He rested his chin on her head.
“I always knew you loved me,” she said after a moment of silence. “I always knew it. I’ve been longing for you to say it out loud though.”
“I know.” He stroked the back of her hair.
“Thank you for saying it. It means more to me than anything else.”
He smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. For once, he let her hug him for as long as she liked. It was a few minutes before she stepped back. Her eyes were wet, but her smile was wide.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to stay for the party?” she asked, as though what had just occurred hadn’t happened at all. “There won’t be too many people at this one.”
“It’s quite alright, my dear. I only wanted to see you today, and I have. I prefer to enjoy my quiet evenings at home. But I hope you do enjoy yourself.”
“Oh I will, I will.”
“Good. In that case, I had best be on my way. I have some work to finish before the day is up. I am happy you enjoyed our lunch and the gifts.”
She nodded and walked with him towards the door. Before he opened it, she hugged him one more time. “Thank you, again, for everything. I’m glad you’re my father.”
He looked down at her fondly. As she pulled away, he held her face in his hands and stared. Then, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “I’m glad you’re my daughter,” he whispered.
He saw her smiling and he smiled back at her. Then, he opened the door.
“Goodbye, my dear. And have a happy birthday.”
“Goodbye, Papa. Thank you.”
He nodded once and then was gone, closing the door behind him. As he walked back to the elevator, and as she walked back into her living room, they each felt their hearts swell.
//I decided to write a little hurt-comfort story, in which Gilbert is the injured party, and he has to let Lily take care of him. He is slowly softening up around her, and I love it. >w< Read More is for length.
The attack had been sudden and unexpected. That much is obvious, of course. Had I been expecting it, I would not be in the state I am now.
A small gang of degenerates who had no business being in my neighborhood apparently thought I’d make an easy target. An old man with a cane, walking his small dog in the evening. I can see why they thought that. Unfortunately for them, I am Prussia, and do not go anywhere unprepared. I soon had three of them backing up away from my sword after having given one a good slash across his face. Unfortunately, as I was telling them to leave, a fourth snuck up from behind and stabbed me in the side with his knife. I turned and stabbed him, getting him in the shoulder. That was enough to send them all running, with Marie barking furiously at them, as though she could do much. But the damage was done.
I stored my sword and limped back home, the knife still in my side. I would have to pull it out when I was home and could bandage myself. Every step sent a shot of pain through me, and I am sure I was paler than usual when I finally stepped into my house. My housekeeper and cook were both gone for the day, which was fine by me. I hardly needed anyone to see me in this state.
I made my way to the kitchen where the first aid kit was stored. After swallowing a good pain killer, I set to pulling the knife out. The medicine hadn’t taken effect yet, so the pain was still immense. But I am nothing if not strong willed, so I pushed through it and pried it out of my flesh. I immediately began to bleed more, but I knew what to do. I cleaned the wound as best I could, and then stitched and bandaged it up. It did not need to be a perfect job. My immortal healing capabilities would take care of it. But at least I wouldn’t bleed to death in the kitchen.
After cleaning the mess it had made, I pulled out my phone. Those filthy creatures would pay one way or another for what they had dared to do tonight. I called my daughter.
“Papa? What’s going on?” she said as soon as she answered the phone. I was pleased that at least I wasn’t hearing loud club music coming through as well. So at least she was not at one of those establishments tonight.
“I require your particular set of skills,” I said, cutting straight to the chase. I kept talking as I walked out of the kitchen and headed upstairs to my room. “I was attacked tonight, by a group of young men. Four of them.”
“What?! Where are you now? Are you okay? Do you need me to come get you?”
“I’m already home, child,” I said, a note of impatience creeping into my voice. “No, what I need you to do is track them down and have them imprisoned for their crime.”
“I…Okay. What can you tell me about them then? Where were you when you were attacked?”
I gave her all the details I could, being as thorough as possible: exactly which street I had been on, their looks and build, and of course mentioning that one would have a slash on the face and another a stab in the shoulder.
“Do you need anything else?” I asked as I finished relaying the information.
“No. That should be enough. I’ll get on it right away. But are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. I just need rest, my dear. Just tell me when you have them found and arrested.”
“Yes. Okay. I hope you get your rest then, Papa. And that you heal up soon.”
The corner of my mouth tugged up despite the soreness in my side. She was such a sweet girl.
“I will. Good night, my dear.”
“Good night. I love you.”
I lingered on the line for a few seconds, debating…well, it didn’t need to be said right now. I hung up. Now that I was in my room, I changed into sleep clothes and settled carefully into my bed. Marie curled up on hers and looked at me with a worried look in her eyes.
“I’ll be fine,” I assured her, as though she could understand. I picked up the book on my nightstand and opened it up to read until I felt tired enough to sleep. It did not take long for the adrenaline to wear off and for exhaustion to take hold.
I didn’t realize how late I was sleeping in until the sun peeking through the curtains woke me. As I sat up, a sharp pain shot through my side. I grunted and clenched my teeth, squeezing my eyes shut. I laid back down, breathing heavily.
As I was debating how long I could reasonably stay in bed, a knock came at my door. I frowned in confusion. Both my staff members had the day off today, so it was unlikely to be either of them. And Marie was calm, so it must be someone recognizable. I called out for them to enter.
Perhaps not too surprisingly, Liliane came in. She looked as though she hadn’t slept at all last night, judging from the dark circles under her eyes and her messy hair. She came straight to my side and clasped my hand.
“Oh, Papa, I’m so glad to see you awake and alive,” she said, as though she had expected to find me dead this morning. “I was worried when no one answered the door and you didn’t answer your phone either. So I let myself in. I hope you don’t mind.”
I blinked at her, unsure of what to say. It didn’t matter though, because she kept speaking. She had a habit of over-talking when she was upset.
“I came to tell you, we found the men who attacked you last night. At least, we think we did. They match your descriptions and have the injuries you said they would. They’re being detained now. When you feel up to it, you can go identify them. But there’s no need to rush. We’ll worry about that later. What’s important is that you’re okay first. Are you okay? You almost never sleep in like this. Can I get you anything? Do you need water or medicine or–”
“Liliane,” I said, raising my free hand to silence her. “Liliane, you must calm down. I am fine. Do you think this is the worst injury I’ve ever suffered? I’ve had half my body blown off from a canon before. This is a fly bite compared to that.”
She swallowed and bit her lip, still looking horribly worried.
“I am glad you found them so quickly. I thank you for that. But you shouldn’t trouble yourself anymore. I can tell you didn’t sleep last night. Perhaps I should be the one worried for you.”
A weak smile came to her face. “No, it’s fine. I’m used to pulling all-nighters. Are you certain you don’t need me to do anything else for you? Can’t I at least make you breakfast?”
I leaned my head back with a sigh. I knew her. I knew how stubborn she was. She reminded me of her mother, who would fret over the smallest cut I might have, even when she knew I would heal just fine. I smiled a bit at the memories. Then I looked at her again.
“You can start by taking Marie outside. Just let her loose in the back. Then you can make us both some breakfast.”
She brightened at the opportunity to be useful. “Yes, Papa. I’ll do that. You just take care to not hurt yourself.”
I looked annoyed at the suggestion, but she either didn’t see it or ignored it. She was already standing and calling my dog to her, who eagerly followed her out. When she was gone, I sighed loudly to myself and ran a hand down my face. So much for a peaceful day of recovery. But at least she was eager to help in any way I asked of her.
Once again, I pushed myself to sit up, working through the pain. I grunted as I stood up and walked into my bathroom to prepare for the day. I looked at myself in the mirror, noticing the pale, restless look I had. That wouldn’t do. As I cleaned up and made myself presentable, I took care to make myself look as strong as I could. Once I was ready, I went downstairs to the breakfast parlor.
I could hear Liliane working in the kitchen. I sat down and pulled over my tablet to read the daily news. It wasn’t long before she was setting the table for two and putting out food and coffee. She also set a bottle of pain medicine next to me. I looked at her through the corner of my eye and she looked back at me. I nodded a thank you and she smiled. Then she leaned down and kissed my cheek, which surprised me more than it should have.
“I made everything just the way you like it,” she said, sitting down in her chair as though nothing had happened just now. “I hope it helps you feel better.”
I set my tablet aside and looked at the nice spread before us. “Thank you, my dear. I’m sure it will help.” I cracked open a softboiled egg and dipped some toast into it. As I chewed, I looked at her, noticing that she was picking at her food more than eating it. I ought to simply let that be, but I couldn’t help commenting on it.
“For someone who wasn’t even attacked last night, you’re rather pensive.”
She looked up from the coffee she had been stirring nonstop without even drinking. “I’m just worried about you,” she said. She hastened to add more before I could say anything. “I know I shouldn’t be. I know you heal up and are immortal like me. But I hate seeing you be hurt. And I hate thinking that it could happen again. What if it’s worse next time? What if you do die on the street? I know you’ll come back, but I don’t want you to be hurt at all. I just want you to be safe.”
I set the remainder of my toast down on my plate. I laced my fingers together and leaned forward, staring at her. She looked at me nervously, afraid she had said the wrong thing and that I would berate her for it.
“My child. Do you remember me telling you, perhaps on more than one occasion, that life is full of pain? You cannot prevent it. You must simply stand strong and deal with it when it happens.”
“I remember, yes,” she said, her voice quiet and nervous.
“Good. Then you will understand that I will be hurt again. And again and again. As will you. And yes, I may die now and then as well. But that is hardly a reason to worry. You will only cause yourself more suffering if you fret about it.” I paused, then added, “Besides, you are my child, not my mother or wife. It’s more my job to worry about you than it is yours to worry about me. I appreciate you hunting down the perpetrators and coming to help me today. But I do not want you up at night worrying that I might be hurt again. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she said with a nod.
“Good. Now eat some food. You need it.”
She complied, and we ate together quietly. When we were finished, she began to clear the table while I made my way to the living room to read after taking more medicine. I sighed and grimaced in pain as I sat on the couch. I picked up the book I had left on the side table the night before, The Letters of Cicero, written entirely in Latin, and settled in to read for a while.
When Liliane finished cleaning, she came in to join me. I thought to myself that I should tell her to go get some sleep, but she quickly took a place right next to me. Like a persistent cat, she slipped under my arm and laid her head on my shoulder, wrapping her arms around my torso. Thankfully, she avoided putting pressure on my wound.
She was staring at my book. “You never taught me Latin,” she said, “But you have so many Latin books.”
The corner of my mouth tugged up. “It wasn’t necessary for you at the time.”
“I know,” she said. She yawned and closed her eyes. “But could you still teach me?”
I thought about it, and then smiled. “I suppose. But you will remember that I am not an easy teacher. I demand hard work and dedication to the subject.”
“I know. But if it means I can spend more time with you, and do something you like, I’ll do it.”
That gave me pause. I looked down at her and noticed that she was starting to sleep. I smiled more and even chuckled slightly. “Well, if that’s what you want, my dear.”
When she didn’t respond, I knew she had fallen asleep. I kissed the top of her head and then rested my cheek against it as I resumed reading. As much as I would fight against being seen as a helpless old man, I had to admit to myself that it was nice to have her around to help when things went south. Not having to face it all by myself was a nice change of pace.
Lily put a hand out to lower Neeltje's glass. She shook her head at the bartender to tell them to not refill this woman's glass. "Neeltje, look at me," she said. When she had her drunken attention, she continued, "You're about to throw up or pass out at this point. Or both. I'm not going to let you do that. Whoever drove you to drink this much isn't worth it."
Lily smiled and took the note, slipping it into the inside pocket of her leather jacket. "Oh don't worry. I'm pretty good at using favors precisely when they are needed the most. I'll use it well." She leaned forward, her smile turning into more of a grin of mischief. "I'm also pretty good at getting people to owe me more than once. So don't think you'll be off the hook with just one payment."
"Oh, please," Resi scoffed, folding her arms. "If anyone's rescuing you from your own brilliant ideas, it'll be me, and frankly, I'm starting to think you ought to come with a warning label."
"I have literally never asked you to 'rescue' me from anything, nor would I trust you to either. I still don't understand what your problem is with this. What? Are you biphobic? Jealous I get more action than you?"
Ludwig proves them both right. "But she's a woman and she's dumb. It's harder to yell at a woman. And she had a nice voice. If you can't help me find a new secretary, I'll have to put out an ad"
"And what exactly do you intend to put in that ad, hmm?" asked Lily. "Help wanted: In need of a woman I can make fun of for being neurodivergent? Must have a nice voice I can jerk off to?"
She gives her an even more annoyed and bewildered look. "What rescue mission? I want to hook up with a cute guy and a hot girl for Pride month. You have a problem with that?"
"people are more polite to women." And it was earlier to keep her around by playing off the trope of a young, dumb secretary. She was so silly! How could she possibly be blamed for hanging up on someone three times in a row instead of transferring them to Ludwig's office?
Lily snorted. "Oh please. They are not. Men in particular are condescending and rude to us all the time. They act like we don't know shit no matter how qualified we are or despite the fact that we've been around since before they were born."
"Agreed," said Katharina, "And you just proved her point by saying you want a 'dumb' woman."
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