Fantasie in F Minor

## Content Information

*Running just a bit late - why don’t you go ahead and get our table and I’ll be there in 10? <3*

Xander looked down to his phone, seeing a message from Tamzen and smiled.

*Sounds good, I’ll make sure the nice quiet one in the corner is available.  See you soon! <3*

He entered *Fantasie* and gave a beaming smile Frank’s way.  “The usual table open?  I’m bringing Tamzen again.”

Frank looked to see a couple about to be sat there, and whistled at his front of house sharply.  “That table is unfortunately reserved, table 23 however is open!”  The employee quickly shuffled the two patrons to another table as Frank led Xander to the corner.  “Two dates in a week here, you must really like this girl huh?”

Xander’s face became flushed.  “If I told you I’m pretty sure I want to spend the rest of my life with her, after only dating her for a few weeks and knowing her about three days longer than that, would you call me an idiot?”

Frank chuckled as he sat Xander down at the table.  “Idiot… no.  Eighteen… perhaps.”  Frank patted Xander on the shoulder, and looking around to make sure no one was watching, quickly gave him a hug.  “Though I suppose I’m hardly one to talk.”

As Frank left to aid other tables Xander settled in, and for once actually picked up the menu.  “Gotta find something else she’d like,” he mumbled to himself, “maybe the fish… or maybe I shouldn’t accidentally get myself poisoned tonight?”

As Xander flipped through the menu an odd quiet seemed to fall over the restaurant.  *Fantasie* was known for being fine dining, so quiet polite conversation was expected.  However, it was nearly dead silent.  Looking up from his menu to investigate a look of horror spread across his face.  “Oh no… not right now…”

At the entrance was an older woman in a sleek and sleeveless orange dress, her hair white and done up with all sorts of products.  A golden armband in the shape of a python wrapped around her right arm.  Sunglasses were covering her eyes, and a scowl on her lips.  There she stood, Gertrude Crossman, fresh off a flight and looking for a meal.

Frank approached her, a far more forced smile on his face.  “Mrs. Crossman, a pleasure as always to see you.”  Gertrude held out her hand, adorned in multiple ornate rings, and he quickly took it and kissed the ring on her middle finger.

“Frank, sweetheart, always a pleasure to see you.”  She scanned the room, looking to see any possible familiar faces.  “Can’t say I recognize any of the folks here tonight, disappointing.  If I’m going to come out here, I’d hoped to run into someone I could…”  Her eyes locked on the table in the corner, more specifically the eyes staring back at her.

*Fuck* Xander put down the menu and stood up with a warm smile, waving her over.  *Just act natural, don’t give her any indications that anything is up.  Maybe she’ll get bored and leave before Tamzen can…*

Gertrude made her way to him, a straight and exact path taken.  A woman who’d stood to use the restroom immediately sat back down to get out of her way.  Gertrude got close to Xander, her head tilted upward, eyes locked on his.  After a brief pause she smiled warmly and hugged him.  “I was so worried about you, my little Derry.”

Xander stood still, this… wasn’t exactly what he’d expected.  After a second he wrapped his arms around her in return, trying to keep his voice even.  “It’s good to see you too Granny.  I’m sorry that I’ve worried you lately.”

Her nails dug into his sides just a bit.  “Oh dear, you’re going to college.  It’s a time of discovery and new experiences.  It just sounds to me like you’ve been getting in a bit over your head recently.  Though,” she broke the hug giving him a once over, “By the looks of it I must admit I may have underestimated you my boy.”  She lowered her voice to a whisper.  “That was a powerful ritual to have performed yourself.  I’m proud you were able to get it right, if a bit concerned that you tried it on your own.”

Xander tried to correct her, but before he could she held her index finger to her lips and shushed him.  She then took the seat meant for Tamzen, and motioned for him to follow suit.  “Now sit down, we have a lot to discuss.”

Tamzen hurried into the restaurant, pausing briefly to check her hair in her reflection in the glass smooth black marble that made up the entryway to *Fantasie*. She had tried something different, after she had realized that the combination of black suit and pigtails made for a very specific impression, and not particularly one that she wanted to make. Instead, she had braided some of her hair, and pulled the result into a loose bun at the side of her head, half held in place by a lacquered comb inlaid with semiprecious stones.

Convinced for the moment that her hair would not fall down the first time she sneezed, she slipped inside, bestowing a dazzling smile on Frank as she approached the host’s station.

“Hello, Frank - Xander is already here, right?” she asked, excited enough about seeing Xander that she didn’t notice Frank’s smile did not match the concern in his eyes.

“Yes, but-” he started, only for Tamzen to forge ahead.

“I’ll spare you having to walk me over there, I know where the table is.”

“Yes, but *mademoiselle* Tamzen…” Frank followed a few steps behind her as she walked towards Xander’s table. She slowed to a halt when she realized that her seat was occupied.

“Umm…” she murmured. “Pardon me?” she said hesitantly.

Xander looked to Tamzen, his eyes widening as he began to speak.  Then, Gertrude held up her hand, and turned to face the young woman.  “Don’t worry Xander, I’ll speak to the help for now.  We’ll take a water and a glass of the oldest red wine you have in stock.  Only after I’ve tasted said wine can I place my order.”  Noticing that Tamzen wasn’t writing anything down, and that Frank was following her closely, she gave her a quizzical look.  “First day sweetheart?  Don’t be nervous, just bring us our drinks and our food and you’ll receive a nice little tip.  Now, chop chop!”  Gertrude clapped her hands together quickly and made a shooing motion.  Xander looked absolutely mortified.

Tamzen stood there, frozen in place and uncertain just what was going on. She glanced back at Frank, and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “...y-yes ma’am…” she murmured, Gertrude’s hand motions finally seeming to dislodge her. She gave a nervous little half bow, and backed away from the table, bumping into Frank in the process.

“What the…” she muttered, just loud enough for Frank to hear.

Frank took her arm and whisked her away to just outside the kitchen, out of sight of the main dining room.  He found her a chair to sit on, and urged her to get off her feet.  “I’m so sorry you had to be disrespected in such a way, mademoiselle Shaw.  Please sit down for a second, let me get you a glass of water.”

“How about we skip the water, and you give me a glass of something a little stronger?” she replied. Her hands were shaking, and she clutched at the seat of the chair in an attempt to hide the trembling. She gave him a nervous laugh. “So… that must be the grandmother…”

Frank, waving over Rebekah and simply pointing at the wine shelf sprang her into action.  “Oui, that is Gertrude, in the flesh.”

Rebekah handed him a nearly full glass of wine. “Oh shit, first time you’re meeting the hag huh?”  She knelt down by Tamzen’s side.  “You ok?  I imagined she’d be displeased he found himself a girlfriend but-”

“Oh! It’s *better* that that…” Tamzen said, taking a large drink of wine. “She thought I was a new waitress here…” She hiccuped, then flushed almost as red as the liquid in her glass. “Not that there’s anything wrong with- I mean… ugh… sorry!”

“Oh hun, no offense was meant or taken.  Also really,” Rebekah looked over Tamzen’s suit, “That isn’t even our standard issue attire.  We wear pinstripes!  You think if she’s been going her for like five fucking decades she’d-”

“Anyways,” Frank cut in, “Tamzen, that woman’s heart is frozen solid for anyone except her little ‘Derry’.”  He feigned gagging for a bit, while Tamzen arched one eyebrow at the nickname. “Don’t become discouraged because of her though.  You are Xander’s girlfriend, the woman he loves.  She may consider herself the only person Xander ever needs, but you’re living breathing proof of her arrogance.”

“Hell yeah,” Rebekah gave Tamzen a slap on the back.  “Besides, I’ve never seen Xander look at anyone the way he looks at you.  Trust me, at one point the kid crushed hard on me, and he looks at you way more… lovingly than he did me.  You’re fucking special to him, way more special than that overbearing hag.  Now get your ass up, go back out there, and show her that in his world you’re the new boss!”

Tamzen sniffed, and then smiled up at Rebekah. “Just promise me that you’re going to send her out some cheap-ass red and tell her it’s fancy - she strikes me as someone who talks big game and can’t actually tell the difference.” She took another sip of her wine, wiped off the rim with a napkin, and grabbed Xander’s water.

“Okay,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Here goes nothing…”

“Your reports as of late have been… well less than ideal.  It’s discouraging to know just how many people in your age group are using these vapes.”  Gertrude looked down at her phone, scrolling through a spreadsheet.  “I mean really, over fifty percent of the smoking student body.  That isn’t even to mention the disturbing near twenty five percent of the student body that has even smoked at all, and that’s accounting for the marijuana smokers you couldn’t make out clearly?  Go back thirty to forty years and that number is somewhere around seventy to eighty percent.  What has happened to the youth, they used to be our bread and butter market?”

“Well from what I’ve found, a few things.”  Xander also looked through the same spreadsheet on his phone.  “For one, all of the long term negative health effects have them scared to-”

Gertrude cut in abruptly.  “You mean *supposed* negative health effects.  While these studies may do quite a bit of research and testing, they often fail to account for other factors in the individual’s life that can lead them to those diseases and defects all the same.”

Xander corrected himself almost robotically.  “Right, apologies, either way it has them scared to try the product.  Even if they do smoke they find vaping as a safer alternative to a regular cigarette.  Out of all the students I’ve offered one of our products to, only a handful have actually accepted.  I could widen my sample size, but I doubt it’d change much in my data.  Though in good news among those who do smoke, and don’t vape, our products are still the most popular!”

Gertrude wrinkled her nose at him.  “A small consolation, but I suppose a victory is indeed a victory.  Regardless, business is not exactly why I’m out here.”  She gave an icy glare in his direction.  “What has been going on here Xander?  Late reports, unpleasant encounters with Fae, you’ve got me so concerned.  What’d  happen if one of my business partners were to hear about this, or worse if something more serious were to happen to you…” She trailed off, her expression a mixture of concerned and bothered.  “When I agreed to let you go to this university I thought it’d be safe, after all Crossman’s have been going here for generations.  But with all that’s happened, I just don’t know if I can continue to allow you to be exposed to all this.”

“Granny I-” Xander began to speak, but was cut short by the arrival of their drinks.

“You know, I find history absolutely *fascinating*…” Tamzen said calmly as she approached the table. “Kodak went bankrupt a few years back, after having catastrophically misjudged the impact of digital photography. Despite having invented the tech, they hesitated to push forward, not wanting to undercut their film and print business. And in the end, they lost out to rivals who embraced change and innovation…”

She set Xander’s water down in front of him with a murmured “Here you go, hon,” and turned her attention back to Gertrude, wine glass held casually in hand. “Perhaps there’s something to be learned from that - companies that fail to see the writing on the wall, that refuse to embrace changing times? Well...” Tamzen gave Gertrude a razor sharp smile, and took a deliberate sip of her wine.

There was a moment of stunned silence, then just before Gertrude could respond, Tamzen smiled again. “We appear to have gotten off on the wrong footing, Mrs. Crossman. Let’s start again… ‘Pardon me. You’re in *my* place.’”

Gertrude stared at her in stunned silence, her mouth agape and her eyes wide.  Xander let out an awkward cough and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.  “I guess introductions are in order.  Granny... this is Tamzen my-”

“*-girlfriend*.” Tamzen finished smoothly, her smile warming. She shifted her glass to her other hand, and offered a hand to Gertrude. “Tamzen Shaw. And you, of course, are Xander’s grandmother. I’ve heard so *much* about you, Mrs. Crossman.”

Gertrude Crossman, for one of the few times in her entire life, conceded for a moment.  She gave a polite nod and shook Tamzen’s hand.  “It’s… It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms. Shaw.  Apologies for taking this seat, I’ll call Frank to bring another chair to the table.”  She turns to Xander, slowly her shock settling back out into a look of… amusement.  “My now, we do indeed have much to discuss!”

Xander swallowed hard, his eyes nearly bulging out of his skull as he looked between the two.  *What the absolute fuck is going on!?*

Gertrude clapped her hands in Frank’s direction.  “Be a dear and bring a chair over will you?”  She stood, pulling out the chair a bit for Tamzen.  Her voice was lively and almost… joyful.  “I seem to have sat in a reserved seat.”

*Shit…* Tamzen thought as she settled into her seat, careful to avoid brushing against Gertrude’s hands as she placed her glass on the table in front of her. *The woman is not easily frightened off, is she? I suppose that stands to reason, but this is* not *how I hoped to spend the evening.* When Gertrude’s attention was momentarily on Frank, Tamzen glanced over at Xander, her lips shaping a silent “ookaaay…”

Xander quickly pulled out his phone and shot her a message.  It read *She’s NEVER acted like this before, like ever.  I don’t understand what’s happening.*

Tamzen’s phone chirped in her pocket, and she frowned slightly as she pulled it out and glanced at it. She tapped out a quick response, and then put the phone on silent and put it back. She smiled at Gertrude, all charm. “Sorry about that. In all of the excitement, I forgot to put my phone on silent.”

*Back my play. I’ll explain everything later.*

“Oh dear no need to apologize, when you’re important you’re always on call.”  Gertrude laid a hand on her shoulder and gave Tamzen a warm smile.  Frank returned with a chair, Gertrude taking her seat the second he set it down.  “That’ll be all Frank,” she said without even looking at him.  He bowed, and gave a worried look to the two young adults, before going off to a different table.

Gertrude, responding to a message of her own quickly, looked to Tamzen.  “So Ms. Shaw, tell me do you perhaps come from the London Shaws?  Maybe the Vancouver Shaws?  Oh I know don’t tell me, you look like a New York Shaw!”

Tamzen raised her glass to take a sip, buying time to consider her options. Tempting as it was to claim relation to one of the families that Mrs. Crossman had mentioned, the odds were far too good that Gertrude would be close friends with one or another of the scions in question. She gave her a considering look before responding. “No, I’m afraid I’m just from the Night Falls Shaws,” she said politely - one must always be polite, after all. “At least… as far as I’m aware.”

“Ah I see, can’t say I’m aware of them.”  Gertrude’s eyes narrowed slightly, though she still held her smile.  “If I may ask, I’m assuming you’re a student, same as Xander, what do your guardians do for a living?”

*And my perceived value begins to plummet…* Tamzen noted. “Well, I’d be surprised if you were aware of us, seeing as I’m the only one in town these days,” she replied, a bit self-disparagingly. “My father retired a while back, but he was involved in property management.”

“Ah, a fine venture to run.  Did he have any plans to bring you into the fold before he retired,” Gertrude eyed Tamzen critically, “Or is he allowing you to find your own way in the world?”

“Oh, my older siblings have far more interest in that sort of thing than I do. I’m… more of a technical bent, myself.” She considered this, and added: “Engineering.”

Gertrude let loose a small giggle, and in the process sent a chill running down everyone’s spine.  Xander looked up from his food, where his eyes had been transfixed for some time, himself in awe of what had just transpired.

The older woman, still giggling a bit, pointed down to her phone.  “I must admit technology isn’t my strong suit.  Never has been, and definitely never will be.  Xander’s been filing me in on all these things your generation does with it, and it leaves me baffled.  Tell me Ms. Shaw,” her expression becoming sharp and her tone more serious, “Do you have an opinion on this new ‘vaping’ trend?”

Tamzen glanced over at Xander, one eyebrow arching delicately. Xander’s eyes met hers, and then quickly down to his silverware.  He was holding his knife and fork in an X. She nodded, almost imperceptibly, and turned back to Gertrude, company smile still firmly in place. She chuckled. “I can’t imagine that my opinion would be of any value to you, ma’am - seeing how I don’t smoke. Besides...” She demurred, smiling over at Xander. “I’d hate for my lack of useful experience to ruin such a lovely meal.”

Gertrude’s smile returned, and she took a sip of the wine she’d had one of the servers bring her.  “I suppose you’ve got a point.  But I must admit my curiosity is getting the better of me tonight, you must have *some* sort of opinion?”

“Certainly I have an opinion - I’m sure you’re aware of the old truism about the ubiquity of opinions - I just am simply unconvinced of your need to know *mine*.” Under the table, Tamzen’s fingers drummed nervously against her thigh.

Letting out another giggle, Gertrude locked eyes with Tamzen.  “You may speak in circles as much as you want, but I’ll ask that you respect your elder and answer the question my dear.  After all,” she smiled, her teeth glistening in the light, “It’s a simple matter of opinion.”

Tamzen felt herself momentarily freeze in place as Gertrude spoke, only to relax as the older woman’s gaze broke. “Well, since you insist…” She shot Xander an apologetic look, and took a deep breath. “I think that the fact that you refer to vaping as a ‘trend’ shows a remarkable amount of tunnel vision for someone so well-placed  in your industry, since that technology involved has been on the market nearly my entire life…” she glanced down at her phone, quickly tapping in a query, then nodded. “Eighteen years. It’s hardly a trend at this point, so any attempt to undermine so well-established a market is, quite frankly, doomed to failure.”

Xander looked mortified.  *Here it comes,* he thought *she’s going to force me on a plane tonight and I’ll never see Tamzen or Arsling or anyone else again.*  He was on the verge of tears when Gertrude looked at him.  “Xander, leave us.  Ms. Shaw and I have things we need to discuss in *private*.”

He looked confused, “But Granny-“

She gave a sharp hiss in his direction, one that was inaudible to anyone not at the table.  “Don’t make me ask again, *leave now*!”

Xander shot up from his chair and went to go find Frank or Rebekah.  On his way by her, he rubbed Tamzen’s shoulder, and squeezed it lightly before leaving.

Tamzen reached up and brushed her hand against his reassuringly as he passed, then carefully placed her hands in a relaxed position on the table. Her heart was pounding, and she wanted nothing more than to bolt after him, but she knew she had one opportunity to make an impression on Gertrude, and this appeared to be it. She took a breath to steady herself, then smiled at the other woman.

Once Xander was out of ear shot Gertrude readjusted in her seat.  “Alright,” her tone deadly serious, “Down to brass tacks young lady.  You’re going to answer every question I have honestly, or I’m taking him home, understood?”

Tamzen met her eyes, and smiled. “Oh, of course, Mrs. Crossman.”

“Firstly, is your family of any note at all?  Do they command power, or money, or anything that’d be of interest to the Crossmans?”

“Perfectly ordinary, I’m afraid, ma’am. My father was the head groundskeeper at the university until his retirement - my mother died when I was quite young. My older siblings were already out of the house when I was born - I’m not that close to them, really.” Idly, Tamzen considered Gertrude. *What makes you tick, lady?* she wondered. The edges of her vision faded, sharpened, took on a glassy look, flickers of memories half forgotten dancing across them. Her fingers flexed subtly, pulling the tablecloth into small ridges between her fingertips.

Gertrude sighed heavily, “Secondly, you and Xander, what do you actually want from him?  If you’re just looking for a meal ticket I’d suggest looking elsewhere, I won’t have you leeching off of him, or myself for that matter.”  Her tone and body language became very defensive.

Tamzen raised one eyebrow and took a sip of the wine. “I understand that at the levels your family runs at, that is something that you always need to consider, so I’ll grant you the favor of not assuming that you were *trying* to be offensive.” She looked at Gertrude thoughtfully. “I like your grandson - I met him when I went to a fencing lesson that he was offering. He’s kind and thoughtful, and I believe we have rather a lot in common. I liked him before I knew he came from a wealthy family, and my feelings haven’t changed since.” Faces flickered through her peripheral vision, a wide variety, but all sharing what could be a family resemblance to Xander and Gertrude. Flashes of memories, like snippets of old film, deteriorating and soundless. Sheets of razor sharp obsidian overlaying the streets of a city that never existed on Earth. The answer she sought, tantalizingly close.

Gertrude’s disposition softened slightly, as she took another sip of wine.  “Thirdly, and most importantly… the way you introduced yourself to me… is that *really* who you are?  Replace me with a group of power hungry egomaniacs, and would you be able to replicate that level of confidence?”

Tamzen froze, her grip on the wineglass tightening. “Well…” she started, posture tense. “I suppose it would depend.” Gertrude gazed at her, unflinchingly waiting for an answer. Tamzen flushed slightly. “It would depend on how well-stocked the bar is.” Tamzen took a sip and tried to smile. “In all honesty, ma’am, I find you terrifying.”

Gertrude mulled over her answer for a long while, never once turning her attention to anyone or anything else.  Finally she relaxed, took another sip of her wine, and gave a small smile.  “This could work,” she mumbled, “Yes, this could definitely work.”

“Ms. Shaw, I’ve got a proposal for you, if you are indeed interested?”

*Almost...there it is!* In her mind's eye, Tamzen reached for the memory, only to see the vision shatter around her, shards of obsidian falling to join drifts of debris under her feet, as her attention was drawn back to the real world. She gazed at Gertrude. “I’m listening.”

The elderly woman twirled her wine glass.  “You’re interesting Ms. Shaw, *very* interesting.  No money or power, yet you so brazenly address me.  Catching my Xander’s eye when he’s never so much as held hands with any of the possible matches I’ve put before him.  Admitting to my face you’re terrified of me, but only when I backed you into a corner demanding your honesty, not yielding to your fear otherwise.”  Gertrude let loose a moderate laugh, and in the distance Xander froze next to Rebekah.  His attention drawn back to the table, concern etched on his face.

“I must say…”  Gertrude’s eyes were like daggers, practically piercing Tamzen’s skin wherever she looked.  “I am rather impressed.”

Tamzen wasn’t quite sure how to respond. “I- thank you?” she ventured.

“Oh dear, don’t thank me just yet.  You haven’t heard my proposal yet.”  Her voice had become almost sickeningly sweet in a way.  “You see, I’m not getting any younger, and neither are the Crossmans.  This family needs someone to direct it, and there isn’t a single member I can seem to trust with that task.  Even Xander, as promising as he is, will most likely prove insufficient on his current trajectory.  He’s intelligent and charismatic, but far too soft to make tough choices.”

Tamzen started to rise from her seat, a look of sheer outrage on her face, only to be stopped by a single commanding gesture from Gertrude. She sat back down and took another drink of wine.

“Now now, no need for that.  I’ll just be blunt Ms. Shaw, if you want to continue your relationship with my grandson, or for that matter be involved in his life at all moving forward, you have but one option.”  Gertrude sipped her wine and allowed an amused smile to creep across her lips.  “You will come to my current residence each week, and I’ll train you to be more… well *more*.  You have potential, but it needs refinement.  With my guidance, I can see you one day becoming almost as great as myself… almost.”

Tamzen sighed. “I don’t suppose it bears mentioning that I already have a job, and I’m not particularly interested in going into business once I graduate?”

“Well, that’s a shame.  I suppose you best say your goodbyes to Xander then.  We’ve got a flight to-”

Tamzen held up a hand. “That’s what I thought. All right then, weekly lessons.”

With a chilling laugh the head of the Crossman family drank the last sip of her wine.  “Splendid!  Though I must ask for one other thing.  I expect you two to be engaged within the year.”  Her smile became unnervingly chilly.  “You could consider it insurance on my investment in you.  Can’t have you getting cold feet and running out on this agreement after all.  That is, unless you’re not really all that serious about him.”

Tamzen drained the last of her wine from her glass, significantly more than just a sip. She tucked her trembling hands in her lap. “I certainly won’t say no when he asks me, but I’m sure you’d agree that it makes for better copy if he’s the one to propose to me. More traditional, after all.” She felt sick...almost dirty agreeing to this, being this calculating.. “I suggest that you avoid pressuring him about this, though - if it seems like I’m just another choice you’ve made for him, he’s likely to push me - and you! - away.”

Gertrude carefully considered her words.  “I see your point on the matter.  When it comes to your romantic affairs, I’ll make myself scarce.  Though know this Ms. Shaw, if any harm befalls him on your watch…” She proceeded to freeze Tamzen in place, her glare intense and full of a hidden rage boiling just underneath the surface. “It will not go well for you or any of your kin.  Understood?”  She released her hold on Tamzen, giving a self satisfied grin.

Tamzen slumped back in her seat, gasping for air. *No...don’t give her the satisfaction*, she scolded herself, as she carefully straightened back up and composed herself. She forced herself to meet Gertrudes gaze, and raised one eyebrow. “Well… I’d like to think that my recent efforts on his behalf speak clearly enough to my willingness to keep him safe.” She pushed her chair back. “I’m sure you will want to speak to Xander now. If you’ll pardon me, I’ll send him over and make myself scarce for a few minutes to freshen up.”

As Tamzen turned Gertrude called out to her in a calm, almost horrifyingly soothing tone.  “Oh Ms Shaw, one more thing.” Tamzen paused, halfway standing up. “Best not to mention any of our arrangements to the poor boy.  He’s fragile after all, and I wouldn’t want our deal to shatter before it has the chance to truly form.”  She signaled to a nearby server to bring her another glass of wine.  “*Now* you can send him back here.”  With a sickening smile Gertrude clapped her hands together lightly.  “*Chop chop my dear,* I don’t like to be kept waiting for too long.”

Tamzen hesitated, straightened up, and hurried away. When she reached Xander, she pulled him into a tight hug, and kissed him fiercely. “Okay… your turn in the snake den. *I’m* going to go have a small breakdown in the bathroom. Rebekah, if I’m not out in 5 minutes, send help...or wine.”

Xander gulped hard, having just somewhat calmed from his own nervous breakdown.  Before he could say a word Tamzen was gone, and Gertrude was beckoning him over.  Rebekah gave his shoulder a light pat.  “And to think I nearly gave you a chance, dodged a fucking bullet on that one.”  She shoved him forward a bit, giving him a smile to instill confidence and a thumbs up.

Xander stumbled forward a bit and made his way back to the table, retaking his seat.  Before he could say a word Gertrude began speaking.  “That girl is a real catch, I like her.  Now explain how much she knows Xander.”

“I uh… I don’t know what you-”

“*Don’t* lie to me, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  I knew you couldn’t have done that damned ritual on your own, she helped you didn’t she?”  She rose from the table, her eyes locked on his, full of rage.  “She knows our *secret* doesn’t she?”

“Yes, yes she did and yes she does.”  He was stiff as a board, body unmoving, eyes unflinching.  “She knows what we are, she was there for what happened, and she’s the one who figured out how to break it based on what you told me.”

“At least one of you is competent!  Imagine the damage to our reputation if you’d vanished from classes for a week, only avoided because of some mortal girl!”  Gertrude stood up, rage continuing to build.  “I can’t believe my own flesh and blood is outshone by an individual with nothing special about them!  Gods this is all that woman’s fault, even in death she vexes me!  Your mother-”

Xander shot out of his chair, anger coursing through him as he balled his fists.  “My mother was a good fucking woman dammit!”  A fist slammed down into the table, silverware clanging against plates and wood.  “She was kind and gentle and pure!  She wanted what was best for *us* not what was best for the Crossman’s, or should I say *you*.”  Xander put as much venom into his words as he could muster.  “Maybe she wasn’t aggressive, or domineering, but she didn’t need to be.  She won respect from the people around her through kindness and compassion, not needing to rip it from them through fear!  So don’t you ***dare*** ever talk about my mother the way you were going to again, you hear me!”

Gertrude stood in silence, never losing her icy glare.  Once he’d finished, his breathing heavy, she gave him a dismissive *tch*.  The restaurant was all but empty at this point, most having left when she’d arrived, some having gone when Xander was dismissed, now only one unfortunate table of two spectators was left.  With a wave of her arm she motioned to them.  “This is no show to go with your scallops, *get out*!”  The couple scrambled out of their seats, bursting out the front doors.

Turning her attention back to Xander, she got directly into his face.  “Listen here you ungrateful ignorant child, *I* raised you not her!  *I* was the one who made sure you were able to get to where you are today, not her!  You best remember that while you enjoy your little education that *I’m* paying for, at the school *I* sit on the Board of Trustees of.  Remember all of that well Xander Octavio Crossman!”  He took a step back from her, his full name hitting him like a knife to the chest.  “Because if you don’t, if you take what *I’ve* given you for granted, there won’t be any more opportunities for you!  You think you can graduate without me?  Even if you could pay for it *I’d* bribe them to expel you.  Perhaps you’d like to make a career of that worthless hobby fencing?  *I’ll* ensure you could never pull in sponsorships, and that any event that lets you in won’t get any as well.  Or maybe you think you can just run away with that girl?  *I’d* find you, and *I’d* ensure that wherever you went you’d never find peace!”  She grabbed his collar and shoved him backwards.  “You’re a Crossman, you can’t escape from that Xander, you never will, and you know that.  It’s something your mother *never* understood.  The family and the business are all that matter, get that through your skull before you ruin your life!”

“That’s *enough*!” Tamzen stepped between Xander and his grandmother. She had returned from the bathroom just as the argument had started to escalate - she would have intervened earlier, but Frank and Rebekah had held her back.

“That’s. Enough…” she repeated, breathing heavily, glaring fiercely at Gertrude. “Just. *Stop.* You’ve made your point already. He *gets* it. We *all* get it.”

Gertrude straightened herself out, glaring between Tamzen and Xander.  The latter had already crumpled to the ground, arms in a defensive position over his head.  Her rage seemed to fade, replaced by… concern?  “Oh my, I…”  She backed away, once more straightening herself out, shifting back to her cold demeanor.  “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Yes…” Tamzen hissed through gritted teeth. “Do that.”

As she began to make her way to the exit Gertrude turned to Frank.  “Here.  For the loss of business.  On behalf of the Crossman family.”  She shoved a wad of bills into his suit pocket, and left the restaurant.  She could be heard screaming outside.  “Bring the car around Magnus, we’re leaving!”

As she left Xander finally fully collapsed to the floor.  Tears flowed from his eyes, and his loud sobs could be heard echoing through the near empty building. Tamzen dropped to her knees, gathering him to her chest, and pressing her forehead against his, leaving a series of light kisses on the bridge of his nose.. “Heyyy…” she said, soothingly. “Hey… it’s okay. She’s gone. You just go ahead and let it all out, hon…”

He grabbed on to her jacket, desperately pressing himself against her.  He attempted to speak through his tears, but it all came out as unintelligible nonsense.  Tears just kept flowing as Xander wailed in pain, almost tearing her clothes with his grip.  Frank and Rebekah knelt by Tamzen’s side, each offering comfort in their own way.

Tamzen held him tightly, murmuring comforting words very softly as she rubbed his back, letting him cry until his energy was spent, only occasionally shifting to a more comfortable position. When the worst of the emotional storm seemed to have passed, she tilted his chin gently upwards until she could look in his eyes. “So… that’s Gertrude… can’t say I’m impressed” she said with a wry smile.

His face overrun with tears, and his hair an absolute mess, Xander couldn’t help but crack the smallest of smiles.  “Yup… that’s her alright.”  He sniffled as he sat up a bit, and leaned his head into Tamzen’s shoulder.  “Funnily enough, it’s not the worst tongue lashing she’s ever given me.”  He gave a small laugh.

Tamzen froze, then held Xander tighter. “Oh gods...I *hope* you’re exaggerating…”

“I probably am, I was a kid after all, it probably just felt worse then.”  He nuzzled into Tamzen’s torso.  “Don’t worry, she wouldn’t do that to you.”

Tamzen forced herself to chuckle. “No… funnily enough, I think she likes me.” Tamzen realized what she had just said, and blanched. “Oh god...what does that say about *me*?”

Xander forced a chuckle of his own.  “At least she likes one of us…”

Frank cut in, placing a hand on her shoulder.  “I wouldn’t put too much stock into that line of thought Tamzen.  That woman reacts to strength, but strength takes many forms.  Very few are anywhere near the cold blooded ruthless strength Gertrude Crossman possesses.”

Tamzen sighed, and relaxed slightly. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” After a moment, she glanced over at Frank. “I don’t know about Xander, but I certainly never got to eat anything. Any chance you’ve got the fixings for some sandwiches back in the kitchen, before we get out of your hair and let you close up?”

Frank gave a sharp whistle to Rebekah.  “You heard what the lady needs, Fantasie doesn’t close until everyone gets a sandwich!”

From the kitchen Rebekah shouted, “The cooks already fucked off dad!”

“Then we’re going to have to make them ourselves, aren’t we?”  Frank gave Tamzen a wink and hurried off to the kitchen.  “Now let’s get cracking, we’ve got one hungry patron who needs feeding!”

As this was happening Xander stirred little, but once Frank had left he began to speak.  “Tamzen, I’m so so-”

She kissed him. “Shh. Don’t you *dare* apologize for that woman.”

Frank came back from the kitchen, a plate full of sandwiches in hand.  “I realized I hadn’t asked you what you wanted, so I brought some options!”  Rebekah followed quickly after him, also carrying a plate.  “Make that a shit ton of options!”

Tamzen took one look at the massively overladen plates and burst out into helpless giggles. “See? Everything is okay - Frank is going to feed us.”

Xander looked up at the plates, and even after everything that happened, he couldn’t help but giggle too.  “I’m honored and humbled by this abundance of choice, thank you sandwich gods.”

Rebekah gave him a wry smile and tossed one at Xander.  “You’re quite welcome, subject.”

Tamzen sat silently on the floor next to Xander while she focused on absolutely destroying a sandwich, content just to be in close proximity to him. But her encounter with Gertrude still pricked at her, and the thought of hiding anything from Xander made her feel… *foul*.

“*Sooo*... I was specifically ordered not to tell you anything that she discussed with me, but… you know what? *Screw* her. You’ve got a right to know what’s going on in that twisty little brain of hers…”

A short while later, the two of them were walking through the darkened streets leading up towards the building that housed WKDN. Distance from the encounter with Xander’s grandmother had lightened both their spirits, and the carryout bag full of leftover sandwiches and a few samples of *Fantasie*’s famous chocolate tortes certainly didn’t hurt either.

As they approached the building, Tamzen made a sudden turn towards the back of the building, tugging on Xander’s arm to coax him to follow her. At the back corner of the building, she jumped up to grab at the bottom of the fire escape, freeing the ladder with a ear-splitting squeal. She put one foot on the ladder and turned to look at him. “I know I can get up top from the inside, but this is more fun…” she said, with a wink.

Xander, flushing ever so slightly, rubbed the back of his neck.  Once she’d gotten enough rings up he followed close behind her.  “I’ll follow your lead then~”  As he followed he made sure to ‘accidentally’ let his hands brush her calves.

Tamzen giggled, and hurriedly led him up the six flights of stairs up to the roof of the building. The antenna towered above them, blotting out portions of the sky above, red warning lights twinkling at the tip. “Wait right here…” she said, giving him a kiss before disappearing into the small equipment room at the base of the mast. A minute later she returned, dragging a folded gym floor mat, and a plaid blanket.

She smiled at him as she spread out mat and laid the blanket over. “Sometimes I like to come up here and look at the stars. It just got easier to leave something here instead of dragging it up all the time.”

Xander wrapped her up in a hug, and playfully dropped down to the mat.  Rolling over the top of her, and giving her a kiss as he did so, Xander settled in on his back next to her and looked up to the sky.  The moon was nearly full, and the stars shone bright across the black void of space.  “Well, as always, you’ve got the best ideas.  Tamzen this view is absolutely beautiful.”  He turned his head quickly to her, and gave a cheesy grin.  “Oh, what do you know, this view’s even more gorgeous.”

Tamzen blushed, and ducked her head down, as if she was trying to hide behind her hair. She laughed, realizing that it was still neatly tucked up into the style she had coaxed it into earlier. “Flatterer,” she accused, reaching up to free her hair from the comb.

He chuckled, running his hands through her red locks as they fell.  He winked at her, a goofy smile on his face.  “I can’t deny it, but how could I not flirt with someone as cute as you huh?  It’d be impossible I tell ya!”

Tamzen grinned, and slipped off her jacket, draping it over a nearby wooden crate, before laying back down and gazing up at the stars. She reached out with one hand, gently resting it on his legs. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you…” she murmured.

Xander gave a wry grin and began to turn his head to her.  “Well you probably pissed off some sort of-” He went quiet as he gazed at her.  Bathed in moonlight, her cheeks red and her hair down, she was serene.  He scooted closer to her and kissed her cheek.  “I could ask you the same thing love… maybe we’re both blessed.”

She smiled and scooted until she was tucked up against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “Yeah, maybe so…”

Xander let his arm wrap around her, his hand resting on her waist.  He kissed her forehead, and with his other arm pointed high into the sky.  “Maybe it’s our moms, up there somewhere, watching out for us… and playing a bit of matchmaker from beyond.”  He chuckled and tightly held her.

Tamzen laughed suddenly, and sat up, looking down at him. “God, I *hope* our mom’s aren’t looking down on us right now,” she purred as she reached up to slowly undo the buttons on her shirt, lower lip caught on one of her canines as she gazed down at him.

Xander burst out laughing.  “Ok I was trying to make it like a sweet thing y'know.  ‘Oh they’re watching out for us, they’re the fate that brought us together-’”

Tamzen laughed, and leaned forward to kiss him. “I know what you meant,” she murmured, her lips hovering just over his. “I was just teasing you.” She punctuated her words with more kisses. “Because. *You*. Are. *Very.* Easy. To. Tease…”

Xander, very red and flustered, let out a little sigh.  “*You. Are. Not. Wrong.*”  He kissed her cheek, then her lips.  “Though to be fair…” He quickly kissed her neck and let a hand slide its way to her butt, “You’re not too hard to tease yourself babe.”

Tamzen squeaked in surprise, then shifted until she was kneeling over him, hands braced on either side of his head, her unbuttoned shirt hanging down, revealing a delicate lace brassiere. “You know… I’d almost be sold on the suit as a good outfit for a date…” she leaned forward and nipped lightly at Xander’s ear. “But it’s *so* much more annoying to get out of at the end of the night,” she whispered, her voice husky with need.

Xander bit his lip, then whispered in her ear in return.  “Don’t worry love,” his hands reached down to her waist, “I’ll help you peel back these layers.”

That night, amongst the cacophony of sounds around the station, an unfamiliar one blended in with the rest.  Under the stars and moon in the sky, two hearts came closer to joining as one.