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Andy had helped decorate. She had never decorated for Hanukkah before. She hadn’t celebrated it before this year. All the families she had ever lived with had been Christmas families. A part of her was relieved. She didn’t feel like a Christmas person. Not when the last gift she had been given for Christmas had been the Drummonds adopting her. The paperwork had never been filed. She carried their name anyway. They had been her family for two years. It hurt to think about them, and Christmas made her think about them. Hanukkah didn’t. Hanukkah was a new holiday with a new family. She could make memories that didn’t hurt. 

Magneto had spent the days teaching her. She was doing her best to soak it all in, and working on learning Hebrew. Reading was hard no matter the language, but for once she didn’t feel like scratching her eyeballs out when she tried to read. 

Today was the last day of Hanukkah. Magneto was hosting a large gathering. Lots of mutants and lots of Jewish people. Andy felt a little awkward about it since she was just starting to practice it and basically everyone that would be here had been born into it. But she had thrown herself into it. She wanted to do the right things and say things the right way. She had seen the guest list and knew that Percy was coming. 

Andy didn’t know Percy very well. They had a class together and had fought together in the Contest, but the team had been cobbled together at the last minute so they had never practiced together. He was also one of the youngest of the group. She knew he was dating Dorian, and had been there when Dorian had found the photo of Andy on Genosha. He had never said anything about it. Andy sort of hoped that Dorian would come to the party too. That would add a bit of a buffer between them. She didn’t want to avoid Percy, but wasn’t sure how to be friends with him. They had barely spoken to each other all year. 

She didn’t have time to worry about it. People started to arrive and Andy greeted them as they came in. 

Percy had just finished texting his mother that he had arrived safely in New Orleans. He had spent most of the nights of Hannukah  celebrating with his mame and her extended family. He had missed the first three nights due to his time in rehab, but having transitioned from the inpatient portion to the outpatient component, he was now free to spend the holidays as he pleased. It helped that he had gone through a bit of a growth spurt with his teleports upon leaving CAGE, meaning that rather than wait for a flight to New Orleans, he had been able to travel somewhat instantaneously. 

He was somewhat nervous as he approached the door to Magneto’s house. He wasn’t particularly certain why he had been invited, although he suspected Dorian had something to do with it. In his hands, he held a small casserole dish, covered up in tinfoil. His mame had insisted that he couldn’t show up to Hanukkah empty handed, and as much as he loved latkes, he hadn’t wanted to grate pounds of potatoes by hand that day. So instead, he had followed her instructions to make matzo crack - matzo crackers layered with chocolate and toffee, and sprinkled with salt. He hadn’t known if anyone was allergic to peanuts, so he left those aside. 

He took a breath, checking to ensure that he looked presentable - he was wearing a fishermen’s sweater and dark slacks - and he knocked thrice on the door. 

Andy opened the door, she had a presentable smile on her face, the one plastered and ready for whoever was on the other side. Once she realized it was Percy it grew. 

[color=b71d5d]”Hey Percy. Come on in. The kitchen is to the right through there. You can put the dish down anywhere you can find space for it.”[/color] There were several people already gathered, but they were older and talking among themselves. For as much as Andy saw herself as separate from her classmates because of the time difference in birth, she did not see herself as fitting in with the adults. The only adults she felt she fit in with were the ones from Genosha. Those were family. 

[color=b71d5d]”How’s your winter break been so far?”[/color] 

Percy nodded, stepping inside and pausing for a moment. He saw that shoes had been placed off to the side of the entrance way, so he knelt down, setting the dish aside, and untied his shoes. He set them aside neatly, before picking up the dish and standing back up. He went into the kitchen as instructed, and set the container down on a free spot. Almost immediately, he spotted latkes, and his heart skipped a beat in anticipation. He really hoped they would be good. He’d be devastated otherwise. 

At Andy’s question, he grimaced slightly. His winter break had been… eventful. The trip to Asgard and Jotunheim had been fun and exciting - his time in rehab, not so much. [color=ed1c24]“Long,”[/color] he decided on. [color=ed1c24]“How about yours? Are you and Gideon and America still together?”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Yeah,”[/color] Andy smiled, surprised that Percy was aware of that. It had mostly happened at the Contest Celebration and he had been distracted because of that one new guy.

[color=b71d5d]”We have a date planned. Gideon doesn’t text much, but mostly uses [snapchat/Marco polo]. I kind of like that over texts. You can see the person as they talk so you get facial and tonal information, and also I don’t have to try to read the jumble of a mess that texting is. I literally do not understand Danni when he texts me about 95% of the time. There are more numbers than full words.”[/color] 

[color=b71d5d]”I assume you and Dorian are still together otherwise I’d probably have heard about it...just through the walls.”[/color] She joked. [color=b71d5d]”Do the two of you have any dates planned, or anything?”[/color] 

Percy was a little surprised - and curious - about this other service. He was very old fashioned when it came to communication, sending actual letters to his mothers, and then texts styled like letters to everyone else. But receiving facial and tonal information… albeit, he still struggled when it came to that interpretation, it was interesting. He might have to give it a try. [color=ed1c24]“Could you show me some time?”[/color] Percy asked, before nodding vehemently at Andy’s assessment. [color=ed1c24]“I realized that my powers have started to interpret Danni’s texting as its own unique language,”[/color] he shared. He didn’t know how to use emojis really, except for when it came to receiving messages from Danni - and sending ones back in response. Then it felt intrinsic, innate. But it was easily the hardest language he had ever operated in. 

He blushed slightly at Andy’s mention of Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“We’re going to a ski lodge soon - just the two of us.”[/color] His eyes lit up slightly, and he couldn’t help but smile. He was very much looking forward to the trip. He still needed to figure out winter clothes, as he had grown up his entire life in California, and he’d never even really seen snow before this winter, but he could manage. It was a problem he had been procrastinating but he still had time. 

[color=b71d5d]”Oh! A ski trip sounds fun. I skied when I lived in Colorado. It’ll be one of the greatest work outs you ever do. You’ll be super sore after.”[/color] Andy paused, [color=b71d5d]”Wait, have you skied before? Don’t want to tell you about it if you have done it. I know there are some places not far from here, but when I lived in California I lived in San Francisco so I never saw snow then. Not till I lived in Colorado.”[/color] She was glad the conversation went to a topic that she felt comfortable with. She could talk about snow. Andy had caught how excited he was about the trip so she figured it would be a good topic. 

Percy shook his head slightly. He wasn’t an incredibly athletic person. He wouldn’t have picked skiing himself - it was mostly the prospect of spending some time alone with Dorian that excited him. [color=ed1c24]“I’d never seen snow before this winter,”[/color] he explained. [color=ed1c24]“My mame is from New York, but we always went to visit her family when it was warmer.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Okay, one of the most important things you should know is to wear sunscreen. It seems dumb, but the snow reflects the sun and you can get the worst sunburn. Make sure you drink water and you have to stretch before and after skiing. Trust me. The before is important so you don’t mess up any of your muscles, and the after is good because you’ll recover faster. No offense but you don’t seem like the work out type.”[/color] She had never seen Percy while she was training. She suspected the heaviest thing he picked up was books. Though she had seen him carrying around the team when pulling rescues. 

[color=b71d5d]”When you teleport, do you keep the movement you had before teleporting? I realized I’ve never seen you moving and teleporting at the same time? And I suddenly imagined you doing that to avoid a tree.[/color] 

Percy’s eyes widened a bit, as Andy started to info dump on him - but then he nodded, taking the information to heart. He hadn’t considered that he would need sunscreen at the ski lodge. Snow seemed like the opposite of summer and sun to him. As for the issues about muscles, he didn’t foresee much of a problem here - he didn’t really [i]have[/i] any muscles. [color=ed1c24]“I don’t know if I will actually ski. I might just read at the lodge while Dorian skis,”[/color] he admitted. [color=ed1c24]“Hmm. I’m not sure. I would imagine that I would maintain the movement.”[/color] He hadn’t done very many tests with it. Most of his practice with controlling his teleports had been stationary, with a few exceptions that were… somewhat difficult to recall the finer details of. 

[color=b71d5d]”Hmm, probably best to not test that while on skis then. Unless you do it in a safe spot. Probably good to know for battlefield maneuvering though.”[/color] Andy smiled. Her mind off thinking about all the ways the teleport could be used if his movement was sustained, or even more interestingly if it wasn’t. 

[color=b71d5d]”And that’s fair. Do you know how to make hot chocolate? I bet if you make it for Dorian while he is skiing he’d appreciate the hot cup when he gets back. It feels really good to drink something hot when you’re half frozen from being in the snow.”[/color] 

Percy nodded again. He’d gone through a bit of a growth spurt with his teleports, so to a certain extent his powers felt brand new. Weeks ago, he hadn’t been able to teleport across campus - and now, he was able to go across the country. The largest change he’d noticed was that he was starving all of the time - the calories his powers were burning had increased exponentially. There were a lot of things that he needed to test, and even more things that he needed to relearn. 

[color=ed1c24]“Erm, yes. I do.”[/color] And then, a sudden wave of doubt hit him. He’d always made hot chocolate by using a mix and some microwaved milk. Did Andy mean something fancier than that - making it from scratch? Did Dorian expect that from him, if he wasn’t going to be skiing himself? [color=ed1c24]“From a mix, I mean. I don’t - I don’t really know how to cook or bake,”[/color] he admitted. He only knew how to make a few family recipes - hence the matzo crack he had brought. 

[color=b71d5d]”That’s fine as long as you aren’t making coffee.”[/color] Andy hoped she was right. [color=b71d5d]”Dorian will appreciate the thought. He can be a bit... epicurean at times.”[/color] A new word. Andy had committed to learning a new word a day and that had been a recent one. She wasn’t sure if she said it right. 

[color=b71d5d]”But if you add a bit extra to it, it is hard to tell. I’ll be honest, I'm not good at cooking or baking either. Jamie had been teaching me some, he was a great cook.”[/color] Her heart panged a little and her smile faded. Andy cleared her throat. 

[color=b71d5d]”Just use the mix and add a little cinnamon and nutmeg to it. That’ll make it great. And maybe he’ll make a Cafe Borgia for you.”[/color]  

Percy nodded again. Coffee was something he knew how to make. He had been drinking coffee since he was small, and while his standards had been somewhat high before he’d begun dating Dorian, they had only risen since then. It helped that Dorian was able to import the beans directly - and that he had access to high quality equipment in his dorm room. Percy had been thoroughly spoiled. Of course, his attention was more piqued by the word Andy had used. [i]Epicurean[/i]. 

[color=ed1c24]“I didn’t know you knew about Epicurus.”[/color] He leaned forward slightly, his eyes sparkling again. He had already been surprised with Leah’s interest in mythology and here was Andy, referring to Greek philosophers! [color=ed1c24]“Have you read [i]On Nature[/i]? It’s on my reading list for the new year. I’ve only read references to it so far, so I’m excited to dig in on the primary text. It’s a shame we don’t have more of his writings still. I could lend you my copy once I am done, if you would like?”[/color] 

Panic shot through Andy. She did not know who Epicurus was. She also struggled to read. Percy was leagues ahead of her when it came to reading. She regretted using the word and now she was going to have to explain. 

[color=b71d5d]”Oh, does it not mean... someone who has high standards for food? Like a food snob? The book I am using to learn new words had it. I didn’t realize it was after someone.”[/color] The book in question, [i]1100 Words You Should Know,[/i] was sitting on her bed. 

[color=b71d5d]”Honestly, I’m... I don’t read really well. I don’t even know the book you’re talking about.”[/color] 

Percy’s face fell. [color=ed1c24]“Oh…”[/color] He was silent for a moment, as the thrill slowly left him. He had already been so hopeful, so ready to have intellectual discussions and debates about Epicurus with one of his peers. Talking about Greek philosophers with Dorian never really lasted - he was far too sexy when doing it, and Percy wasn’t able to help himself. And while he could always have these scholarly debates with his mame, it wasn’t quite the same as with a peer. 

But then, he frowned slightly. Andy said she didn’t read well. He couldn’t imagine a world without reading - literature was his first love. Andy didn’t deserve that. [color=ed1c24]“Can I help you?”[/color] he then proposed. [color=ed1c24]“There are audio books, if the issue is reading the text. And if the issue is the words themselves, you can select books appropriate to your reading level and train up to higher levels. You’ll learn more if you’re interested in what you are reading, I think. I could read something with you.”[/color]

Relief flooded through Andy. [color=b71d5d]”I think I’m dyslexic.”[/color] She admitted. Andy had been looking into it since Thanksgiving and was now pretty convinced that that was what was wrong with her. [color=b71d5d]”I haven’t really done audiobooks yet. But I’ve been trying to read better. Here follow me.”[/color] The guests coming in had lulled down. She led Percy to her room. On her bed was the [i]1100 words to know[/i] book, a bookmark about a third of the way through it. [i]The Lightning Thief[/i] its bookmark at about half way through, was on her nightstand. 

[color=b71d5d]”I never really realized what was wrong. I just couldn’t read well. I’m working on the vocabulary thing,”[/color] she gestured to the vocab book. [color=b71d5d]”But finding books that interest me has been tough. I like the Percy Jackson stuff, it feels a little... young for me. But because of those books I learned about dyslexia and I looked it up. But otherwise I don’t even know where to start.”[/color] She took a slow breath and then started talking again. 

[color=b71d5d]”I know you don’t know a lot about me. But before coming here. I hadn’t attended the same school for a whole year since I was eight. This isn’t the longest I’ve been at a school, but it is getting there. I barely was at any school longer than two years. And after... After I ran away from Colorado I went to New York and I didn’t go back to school. I was home schooled a bit during that time, but I struggled a lot. I just don’t have the education. Hell I was surprised they didn’t put me in more remedial classes.”[/color] 

Percy followed Andy back to her room, and he picked up the books with interest. He always had a soft spot for the Percy Jackson series - he shared a name with the title character, after all. The earlier works were more cohesive than the later ones, and the continuity issues in [i]the Sun and the Star[/i] had driven him mad, but… He could understand Andy seeing herself in them. Nico di Angelo had been a large part of his gay awakening. 

He frowned again as Andy described her lack of education. Education had been such a priority for his mothers, he’d had to attend Hebrew school on the weekend. He couldn’t imagine the absence of it - and the more he thought about it, the more it upset him. He knew Margaret Carter was focused on making heroes not scholars, but they had so clearly failed Andy. He gripped the books a little tighter. 

He didn’t know how to help someone with dyslexia read, but he knew he could find out. [color=ed1c24]“I can’t believe the school isn’t helping you. It’s the point of a school. To [i]educate[/i] people!”[/color] he set the books down and started pacing. [color=ed1c24]“The way I see it, we have several options. The first is to ask Sabine if she can give you memories of the education you missed. This is the easy path, but lacks in integrity. Hmm. No. It won’t do. If we are going to do something, we are going to do it properly. The second is to make the school do their goddamn job and teach you. We would need to show a united front with your guidance counselor, possibly threaten that you are going to leave for Xavier’s - they won’t want to lose a contest champion. But they have failed you so utterly I would not give them a second chance. The third option is we devise a curriculum ourselves and work through it after classes. Hmm. We would need to call in assistance, as I have treatment for now. But once that concludes, my time can be yours.”[/color] He then stopped pacing, and took out his phone, sending off a text rapidly. 

[hider=Mame (translated from Yiddish)]Dear Mame,

I have a friend who has been utterly failed by the disaster that is the current education system. She is dyslexic and at an eighth grade reading level, possibly lower. Would it be possible to receive copies of the supplemental education plan you had crafted for me? I would like to adapt them for her. 

Love, 
Percy[/hider]

Andy was a little surprised at how vehement Percy was. He was so upset at how much the school had failed him. [color=b71d5d]”Nemo always gave me extra time,”[/color] she said. Nemo had been the only teacher who seemed to be aware of Andy’s problem. The only one who had done anything to help her. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you, Percy. I do not want to do it the easy way. And if I changed schools I’d probably come here to Strange, since they do magic and my magic studies are... not very cohesive yet. Baby steps I guess.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=b71d5d]”Also, it’d be kind of weird, because could Sabine even give me memories like that? All my knowledge would be her knowledge. Right?”[/color] Andy wasn’t sure how that would work, but she wanted to learn it herself. She was happy to have help, but wanted to do the work. 

Andy did not miss that Percy had said something about treatment. She decided to not pry. She had just opened herself up to him, but he was a much more closed system. Andy would let him tell her, or she’d piece it together eventually. She didn’t need to know, not unless he wanted to talk about it. 

Percy grimaced slightly as Andy brought up Nemo. He didn’t want to speak ill of the dead, but he had never liked the time travel studies professor. He hadn’t shed a tear when they learned the news of his passing. But it seemed he was the only one who held that opinion. And he was not keen to learn who Margaret Carter would dig up to be his replacement. 

[color=ed1c24]“I don’t know if she could transfer them permanently, but essentially yes. You would have a copy of her knowledge, for better or for worse. It would likely not be without flaws. But I agree. This way is better.”[/color] He then started to pace again, only to pause as he realized what else Andy had said. [color=ed1c24]“Would you leave for Strange Academy? They’d accept you. They’d have to.”[/color]

Andy wrinkled her nose. [color=b71d5d]”No, I think it is better to work for it.”[/color] She considered what Percy was asking. Would she leave AA to go to another school? Max taught at Strange Academy, but so did Agatha and that old witch made her nervous. 

[color=b71d5d]”Percy, I am from Genosha. I am seventeen years out of date. I spent the last four months trying to figure out this world and the people in it. Dorian and Danni and the rest of the team are basically the only people I know, except people from Genosha. I don’t [i]want[/i] to transfer. I would have to figure out how to make friends all over again and I wouldn’t have Dorian dragging me into those friendships. It’d be a nightmare. I just got my feet under me, and that is with Zari leaving me like that.”[/color] She paused, knowing that Percy and Zari were friends too. [color=b71d5d]”If you think forcing the school’s hand is necessary and me threatening to leave to go to Strange Academy is what will do it, then alright, but I don’t want to.”[/color] She had seen Percy’s face, she didn’t know his relationship with Nemo but she sort of wished that Nemo was still around. He probably would have helped back her if she went to Coulson.

Percy nodded. He knew of Andy’s history with Genosha - none of the sordid details, but the rough scope of it all. He’d been there with Dorian when they had found the photograph of her and Zari at the museum - one where they hadn’t visibly aged a day. He bit his lip for a moment, considering what to say to her. They hadn’t really spoken about Zari and the others who had left so abruptly. She had supposedly been his friend, but Percy could not remember the last time he had a meaningful conversation with her - the last time he felt that friendship was made of more than the friendship between their parents. [color=ed1c24]“I imagine she was just as good a girlfriend to you as she was a friend,”[/color] he said softly. [color=ed1c24]“You seem happier now.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“But I don’t think we need to force the school’s hand. Primarily because I doubt they would stick to a new routine for long. No, if you will let me tutor you, I will.”[/color] He then paused for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing. [color=ed1c24]“We might as well be strangers to each other. I understand if you do not want my help.”[/color]   

Andy let out a soft sigh at Percy’s comment. [color=b71d5d]”It isn’t just that that changed.”[/color] She shifted uncomfortably. A lot of what had changed had been giving Selene to Max and taking that weight off of her shoulders. 

[color=b71d5d]”But I do feel a bit freer. I’m sorry she wasn’t a good friend for you. She told me about you and then we never hung out. I expected the three of us would, it just never happened.”[/color] Andy cleared her throat. [color=b71d5d]”I would appreciate it if you would tutor and help me, Percy. That would mean a lot to me. You’re probably one of the smartest people I know.”[/color] 

He smiled somewhat bitterly. It was a topic he did not want to dwell on much more. Some things were better left in the past. He would rather look towards the future - to think more on how he could help Andy to make up for lost time. [color=ed1c24]“We can start after school in… I believe my treatment schedule shouldn’t interfere by mid February. Until then, I can meet with you on weekends. I’ve messaged my mame if she has some resources we can use - she used to give me supplemental exercises for my schoolwork.”[/color] 

At her compliment, however, Percy shook his head. A few months ago, he would have accepted it, and readily told her how right her observation was. [color=ed1c24]“Mm. The secret to intelligence is being stubborn,”[/color] he argued. [color=ed1c24]“And I’ve been told I’m a stubborn ass.”[/color]

Andy shifted, the mention of treatment again, [i]was he okay?[/i] She bit her lip wondering if she should broach the subject. Andy decided not to. 

[color=b71d5d]”The weekends are fine.”[/color] She thought that it wasn’t just being stubborn, but it was access. Something she hadn’t had a lot of. 

[color=b71d5d]”We should head back out now. Dad’ll be wondering where I am if too many people show up without me answering the door.”[/color] She smiled and headed back out. [color=b71d5d]”Thank you again. I didn’t know what to do really. I saw the vocab book at a book kiosk but that is only going to help so much.”[/color] 

He shook his head, a sly smile gracing his face. [color=ed1c24]“Don’t thank me yet. You’ll need to learn Hebrew, too.”[/color]

[hr]

Dorian had been waiting outside the door for a few minutes now. He had a long dark coat on, beige turtleneck, black pants, and knee high leather boots. His hair was well coiffed, a small baby curl near his sideburns, and light pink blush that mimicked a fair skinned person in cold weather, coloring his cheeks and the tip of his nose with  frosty highlights and shiny lip gloss. Snow lightly dusted his hair and clothing, having just come from his house that was always enchanted to have snowfall inside during Christmas times. Dorian looked to his left and right, standing nervously before he knocked again. 

[Color=CC99FF]”’ello?”[/color]

Dorian looked down at his offered gift of food for the party. Would they like his Walnut Rugelach? Would they think he hadn't tried hard enough? Or worse, made them bad. Danni had been helping him try and perfect the recipe, teaching him methods to make them even though at times it seemed he just wanted to make them for him. But Dorian had insisted he had to make them himself. Around his arm was the strap to a bag that held gifts. 

Andy heard the knock at the door and winced. She hoped she hadn’t missed someone. Or at least that it hadn’t been too long. She dashed to the door and opened it. The fake smile broke into a big genuine smile. 

[color=b71d5d]”Dorian!”[/color] Andy pulled him into an awkward hug around the items he held. [color=b71d5d]”Food goes into the kitchen, find any open counter space.”[/color] She pointed in the direction of the kitchen. There was an assortment of people gathered there chattering. They had overflown into other rooms. It wasn’t a [i]massive[/i] party, but Andy couldn’t have identified more than half the people there. 

[color=b71d5d]”Percy is here. We were just chatting.”[/color] Andy was a bit embarrassed to explain what they had been talking about since she hadn’t told Dorian about her issues with reading yet. He was bound to find out though. [color=b71d5d]”He’s going to start tutoring me.”[/color] 

Percy appeared behind Andy a moment later, and he didn’t need blush to have his cheeks flush the moment he set eyes on Dorian. He had become so accustomed to seeing his boyfriend every day at school, and even then he was still routinely mesmerized by him. He was silent for a moment, his eyes sweeping over Dorian’s form from top to bottom. With the snow dusting his hair, he wanted nothing more than to run his hands through it, to gently tug on each and every curl… 

He cleared his throat slightly, trying not to be so easily flustered. It hadn’t been that long since they’d last seen each other, even if it felt like 300 years, right down to the day. [color=ed1c24]“Happy Hanukkah,”[/color] Percy said softly. 

Dorian hugged Andy back enthusiastically. Normally he would have attempted to float the dish and bags away to give her a proper hug, but he was worried he'd mess it all up and have nothing to give them. [Color=CC99FF]”Perce, did you rope Andy into one of your discussions about Whoreowhodawatty from Ancient Grease, Andy you don't ‘ave to placate ‘im really im so sorry.”[/color] He added as he stepped in and realized shoes were neatly placed beside the door. His boots took long enough to get in, getting out would require help if he wanted to do it before food was dropped off. [Color=CC99FF]”Sorry, didn't realize no shoes. Uh, Perce mind takin’ t'is to t'e kitchen for me? I'll meet you t'ere after these boots are off.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Not quite.”[/color] Andy laughed. [color=b71d5d]”I think I'm dyslexic. Also, my education prior to coming here was weak. I expect I'll probably learn some things about Greece. That isn't the reason for him tutoring me.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Happy Hanukkah. Have you had a good winter break so far?”[/color]

For a split second, Percy felt embarrassed. He [i]had[/i] been really excited to talk with Andy about Epicurus. Did people find it annoying when he wanted to talk about Greek philosophers…? Did Dorian dislike it? But the gnawing shame was quickly replaced with annoyance, as he realized that his boyfriend was butchering the words on purpose. It irritated him to no end when Dorian did that. Especially for words that he used that sounded similar - the meaning became totally distorted thanks to Percy’s powers and he had to make a conscious effort to focus on what Dorian had said, only to be upset all over again. 

He clenched his jaw. [color=ed1c24]“It’s [i]Herodotus[/i],”[/color] Percy corrected, before he took the container from Dorian and headed to the kitchen. 

Once Percy had left, Dorian placed the gifts onto the floor and knelt down to begin undoing his shoes. [Color=CC99FF]” ‘e is so easy to rile up sometimes. I made some Walnut Rugelach, ‘eard t'at its meant to represent the oil for t'e lights. I ‘ope t'ats ok?”[/color] He undid one shoe before standing up and decidedly just phasing out of the second one. [Color=CC99FF]”Dyslexia huh? I never really understood ‘ow t'at worked out…but my breaks been good so far. Been doin' some readin’ , exercising, been more on my socials now t'at I get t'e chance to be. Chat ‘as been [i]crazy[/i] wit’ t'e fact t'at im datin’ Percy. T'ey knew somet'in was up when some of my dorm streams ‘ad uh…odd backgrounds. T'ese snoops spot a speck of dust from a mile away if it proves t'ier t'eories. What about you?”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Basically the letters jumble up and it sometimes takes me way too long to figure out what it actually means.”[/color] Andy shrugged. She had always struggled with reading and wouldn't have been able to put it into words until recently. [color=b71d5d]”Break has been good so far. I've been here mostly.”[/color] Andy had gone out a bit but she was just enjoying being home. She still had her date with Gideon coming up. 

[color=b71d5d]”Also don't be mean to him, he is trying to find something to talk about. Okay. So socials. I have a Snikt! And it blew up with followers but I haven't even posted anything. I don’t know how they found me.”[/color] She also had the super hero chat thing but she hadn't logged into since day one. She was a little afraid of what she'd find there now. 

[color=b71d5d]”How are people supposed to manage all of this?”[/color] she felt like she needed a PR person just to deal with the wild amount of semi-stalking that had started. If she had known that was going to happen she wouldn't have fought in the dang contest. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Its easier to manage if you started before you knew.”[/color] Dorian laughed. [Color=CC99FF]”Green screens, fake backgrounds, whole fake rooms sometimes, never use your real name or give any indication where you may live, anyt'in’ t’at'll dox you really. Even t'en t'e biggest fans may catch somet'in you missed and suddenly its a whole t'in. People noticed I didn’t wear my gamin’ sweater two streams in a row, I tried to play it off but every one found out I ‘ad a boyfriend t'en. Question t'en was, who?”[/color] He began to make his way over towards the Kitchen. [Color=CC99FF]”And I'm just teasin’ ‘im. ‘onestly I love when ‘e talks to me about Greek ‘eroes and myths. Even if we ‘ave differin’ opinions on some of t'em.”[/color]

In the kitchen, Percy had done his best to make room for the Rugelach - and had taken some time to sneak a latke quickly. If they were all gone before he’d have a chance to grab one, he genuinely may have cried. He overheard the very end of Dorian’s conversation, and he was facing away from the kitchen entrance, smiling slightly. 

[color=b71d5d]”Well I haven't posted anything still.”[/color] She pulled her phone out and opened Snikt! Her profile was empty, no photo, but they username was Andy123456. The follower count had hit 10k. 

[color=b71d5d]”At least no one can comment, but I have a stupid amount of DMs I haven't even read any of them.”[/color]

The food in the kitchen smelled great. Andy's stomach rumbled. She glanced around and saw people had plates of food. She had probably missed something but at least it meant she could grab some food too. 

[color=b71d5d]”I'm going to get a plate. You should too.”[/color] She grabbed a plate, it was metal, and filled with bits from everything. She didn't know most of the dishes, but she was willing to try.

[Color=CC99FF]”First mistake was leavin’ your DMs open. We'll make it so only close friends can message you, t’at'll cut down on ‘ow much traffic you get.”[/color] Dorian made his way around the corner and kissed Percy on the cheek as he grabbed himself a plate. The food looked amazing, and smelled even better. He ensured to grab at least one of everything, including his own dish to guarantee it came out alright.

Percy tilted his face so that way as Dorian went in to kiss him on the cheek, he got his lips instead. He then got himself a plate - he’d been eating more calories since his time in CAGE, and he grabbed a separate smaller plate just for the sour cream and applesauce. [color=ed1c24]“The secret is to have someone else deal with it all for you,”[/color] he advised Andy. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian handles mine. I’m not sure what he posts on it,”[/color] he then added with a shrug. He was about to get himself some of the brisket and a jelly doughnut when he paused, eyeing Andy’s and Dorian’s plates. 

[color=ed1c24]“Unacceptable,”[/color] he shook his head, putting his plates down. [color=ed1c24]“Your latke to sour cream - or applesauce - ratio is atrocious.”[/color] He then spooned more onto Dorian’s plate, before waiting for a moment to see if Andy would also let him fix hers.

Andy laughed and nodded at the offer of more sour cream. 
[color=b71d5d]”I didn’t even know that was a setting. Do I hire someone for that? I don't think either of my girlfriends do social media.”[/color] She frowned. Did America? Gideon didn't seem like the type. Though Andy did know she had Grindher. [color=b71d5d]”Well America might because she already has a couple years of winning the Contest.”[/color] 

She bit into some food and melted a little. It was delicious. She was very excited to eat all of this new stuff. 

Dorian scooped the sour cream off his plate and onto Andy's before Percy could give her more. [Color=CC99FF]”No its jist a settin’ I'll get it all set up after if you want me to. Maybe even show you how to make some edits.”[/color] He pulled his phone out and pulled up Percy’s account, scrolling to an edit he'd made of them with Percy being Hades and Dorian Persephone. Percy's images were ones pulled from throughout the year, times Dorian was able to catch him unaware of the camera in dark or broody looks, especially when reading. Dorians were more curtailed, blushed cheeks that accentuated his eyes, plum colored backgrounds and pomegranate seeds, the red of which were used to stain his lips a natural purple pink. All of it playing to a love song about the two gods. [Color=CC99FF]”Good right? Doubt Percy's actually looked at ‘is account to see t'is one.”[/color]

Percy huffed slightly as Dorian removed the sour cream - it was a key and vital component of the latke experience! But his protests immediately died as Dorian pulled out his phone, scrolling through what he had posted to Percy’s account. He hadn’t looked at the account very often. Its entire creation had been Dorian’s suggestion, and while he had used it at first to look at photos and videos of Dorian before the two of them had started dating, he received the content he was looking for directly now. The explosion of interest in their lives on social media following the contest had made it seem overwhelming as well. 

[color=ed1c24]“That’s what you’ve been posting?”[/color] he asked, a little stunned. [color=ed1c24]“… Can I see that again?”[/color]

Andy whistled at the video.

[color=b71d5d]”That’s good.”[/color] She was surprised. Andy hadn't spent a lot of time on Snikt! But some of the edits she had seen had been impressive. Basically what she would have considered professional quality. 

[color=b71d5d]”Please fix it.”[/color] Andy asked Dorian. She didn’t use the app because of how frustrating the incoming messages had become. Andy had been tempted to delete the account. She wondered if it was too late.

Dorian had caught sight of Andy's ‘account’ [Color=CC99FF]”We're skimmin’ t'e inbox, seein’ if anyt'in of import is t'ere t'en nukin’ t'e account and startin' new. T'at means a better ‘andle t'at is more t'is timeline.”[/color] He teased. He closed his phone and lifted Percy's jaw up with one finger. [Color=CC99FF]”Drool over t'e food not me, im starvin’ right now.”[/color]

Percy rolled his eyes at Dorian, and shifted his posture slightly. [color=ed1c24]“I’m not drooling,”[/color] he protested. [color=ed1c24]“I just wanted to double check your work for misconceptions,”[/color] he protested. [color=ed1c24]“Fair warning on the handle - he made my gaming account Whoredotus.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”That's got to be better than Andy123456.”[/color] Andy shrugged.

[color=b71d5d]”Anything good in the DMs?”[/color]

DELETE. DELETE. DELETE. [i]Oh?[/i] [color=CC99FF]”Actually youre DMs aren't ‘alf bad. Tons of praise, lots of nice comments, some offers for sponsorships, collabs, fights?”[/color] Dorian did have to delete a message that said ‘Break me like one of your French girls.’ [Color=CC99FF]”Also Andy gets to ‘ave a cool ‘andle Perce. Somet'in t'at matches ‘er style while givin’ anonymity.”[/color] He pressed a Latka to his lips, taking a small bite of it as he thought. A few chews later [color=CC99FF]”🌩Rhapsody🌩”[/color]

Percy had already finished his own latkes, and Dorian had been teasing him earlier, so… he took a quick step forward, going to bite the latke out from Dorian’s grip - only for his boyfriend to phase out of the way, leaving Percy to pass through harmlessly. He huffed slightly. [color=ed1c24]“Rhapsody? Do you sing?”[/color] he asked Andy. 

[color=b71d5d]”Not really. Like I can, but I wouldn't go on stage for it except karaoke.”[/color]

She hadn't expected a nice DM box, which was why she had never really opened it. Andy remembered to never read the comments because that was a dangerous place.

[color=b71d5d]”Wait did you make a new account or just change the name?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”[i]Making[/i] a new account. Keep this one as a fake basically, already shut off t'e ability to get more DMs. T'ough you're not far off about t'e singin’ bit Perce. I was tryin’ to t'ink of names for ‘er account, somet'in to do wit’ lightnin’ or fightin’ and originally t'ought Queen of Lightnin’ or Lightnin’ Queen. But t'at is bot’ bad and too on t'e nose. But it reminded me of t'is ‘it song from Andy's time! Pa sings it all t'e time, its by a retro band named Queen, called Bohemian Rhapsody, and in t'at song t'ey sing ‘T'underbolts and lightnin’ very very frightenin’ ‘ Hence, Rhapsody. I know, I'm a genius.”[/color] Dorian said before taking a bite from his Latka in admiration to his own self. [Color=CC99FF]”Also t'ese are delicious, Perce why dont you ever make me these?”[/color]

Percy raised an eyebrow. [color=ed1c24]“Do you want me to cook for you?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”If it's t'is, t'en yes.”[/color]

Andy snorted at their exchange. [color=b71d5d]”Better him than me. I can technically cook. But it is the bare essentials of food. Jamie was teaching me.”[/color] she frowned, this was the second time she had mentioned him. 

[color=b71d5d]”Okay you do realize that Queen is from the 1980s. I wasn't alive yet. I was born in 2004. I'm younger than Google. Gen Z not X or boomer.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“You’re two years older than Taylor’s debut album. Hmm,”[/color] he was about to ask Andy what that was like, growing up in the Swiftie golden age, but he remembered Dorian’s comment about his urge to infodump so he held his tongue. 

Andy couldn’t help but to wince and groan. She did not like pop music and Taylor Swift had been the goddess of pop music growing up. It was everywhere. She hated it. She had fortunately, living with the Drummonds, been able to avoid all of that as they were into punk rock, a lot of Irish punk at that. Andy had adored that type of music. It wasn’t until Gideon had told her that Eva and Harry were also pop stars. She had known Harry since the MU days, and Eva was like... an aunt now. She was going to have to learn to put up with some of it to an extent. 

[Color=CC99FF]”You were born closer to t'e 80's t'an now, besides I read t'at it was super popular in your time.”[/color] Dorian huffed. He'd noticed the slip up of a name, a frown, and immediate change of subject. But he wasn't about to press for it, after all it must've been someone from a time before all this, someone she couldn't go back to see. [Color=CC99FF]”So t'at makes it what? 21 years before she became a massive flop?”[/color] Dorian teased.

Andy opened her mouth to contest Dorian’s math, but as she did Andy realized he was right. There was about 24 years between her birth and 1989. And she’d be 34 if she had gone the normal slow route. [color=b71d5d]“Wait, she flopped?”[/color] Andy redirected. [color=b71d5d]“What happened?”[/color]

Percy saw red. He was a diehard Swiftie, and yes, he did prefer her works pre the Life of a Showgirl - he could even stomach the Tortured Poets Society. But his boyfriend calling Taylor a massive flop was still unacceptable. [color=ed1c24]“She’s allowed a bad album! With her output, it’s bound to happen! And Travis Kelce wasn’t doing her any favors as a muse - and not to forget, the sudden reemergence of conservatism and the existential threat of Sabrina Carpenter it’s no wonder that album was terrible! She was doing her best!”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Huuuuuge flop Andy. Which was embarrassin’ given some of t'e shader t'ings she did pre t'at album t'at re-emerged when t'at album came out. Honnêtement, I t'ink she fell for t'e pressure of competition t'at she didn't ‘ave before. A new Supreme rose wit' Sabrina while t'e faux Showgirl tried to be someone she was not.”[/color] Dorian shrugged before finally trying the Latke with some applesauce, audibly enjoying the new flavour combination. 

Andy didn’t know who Sabrina Carpenter was. She made an assumption that she was another pop star and left it there. A part of Andy was pleased that Taylor had fallen off her pedestal. She kept that to herself as well. 

[color=b71d5d]”Alright then. I'll stick with my punk rock,”[/color] she shrugged. There was always a risk of nazis but punks hated them so kicked them out... violently of their spaces. 

[color=b71d5d]”Anyway. How about we go sit down. Instead of standing blocking the latkas?”[/color] She grabbed another one adding it to her plate. 

Percy wanted to protest and defend Taylor - but that era was a [i]bad[/i] look. It wasn’t one he could even defend against. He listened to albums from Debut to Midnights, and nothing beyond them. It was heartbreaking to see how badly things had turned out for his favorite pop star. And he imagined Dorian was trying to egg him on, so he huffed and nodded at Andy’s suggestion. He grabbed a few more latkes as well, before waiting for those two to lead the way to where they’d be sitting. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Ooooo wait, I know a but of Punk Rock, like T'e Mighty Mighty CrabJoys.”[/color] Dorian said as he began to hum the lyrics their theme as he danced a bit behind Andy, swiping a latke off his boyfriend's plate instead of grabbing one for himself. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh and Iggy Pop. Which you'd t'ink would be pop?”[/color]

Percy shot Dorian a glare. 

Andy gave Dorian a flat look. [color=b71d5d]”I am talking about bands like Agent Orange, which while a terrible name, has great music.”[/color] Andy found a spot where all three of them could sit, and she could keep an eye on the door.

[color=b71d5d]”How did we end up talking about music like this? You were freeing me from the chaos that is a public Snikt! account.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Hm. Dorian suggested an account for you named after a song you weren’t a contemporary to, leading us to discuss music,”[/color] Percy summarized. He took a seat next to Andy. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Whats wit’ t'at look? Are t'ey not punk?”[/color] Dorian crossed his arms, sitting next to Percy as he dropped his Latke that he stole back onto Percy's plate. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you, Percy. Iggy Pop, yes. The Mighty Crabjoys are a fake band from a dumb movie. I'm going to make [i]you[/i] a mixtape.”[/color] Andy hadn't made one since Ash had taught her how. Both ways on a CD burner and the way Ash had grown up doing it with a cassette tape recording from the radio. But she'd make a CD for Dorian with some good music on it. 

[color=ed1c24]“Do people still make mix tapes?”[/color] Percy asked. He put the stolen latke back on Dorian’s plate, along with a second one. He then rested his left hand on Dorian’s knee. 

Dorian actually quite liked that movie, he'd even scoured the internet for a real vintage shirt from that era that said ‘Punk is Cool’ on it with a small emblem in the hem of it. Granted he never went ‘full punk’ in the sense of how Andy dressed, but he'd wanted to a few times. [Color=CC99FF]”Most people just make Playlist but I'm sure I can get a CD to work just fine. Oooo or if you want a cassette tape! T'en I can ‘ave my pa make me a walkin'man wit' matchin’ ‘eadphones. It'll be a whole vibe!”[/color] He grabbed the latke Percy put back onto his plate, taking a bite and smiling before leaning in more on Percy.

[color=b71d5d]”Is Spotify still around?”[/color] Andy wondered if she could still access her account she had used back when living with the Drummonds. That had all the best music. 

[color=b71d5d]”Huh, I wonder if that old email still exists”[/color] she murmured to herself. 

[color=b71d5d]”Play list, mix tape whatever you want to call it. I'll make you one so you can listen to some good punk rock.”[/color] Andy chewed on some of her food. 

[color=b71d5d]”So tell me about your ski trip you've got planned.”[/color] She smiled brightly.

Percy nodded slightly. He hadn’t been one to make playlists, usually listening to a single album at a time. He’d taken a break from Taylor lately, and had been shifting into Harry Simmons. His curiosity had been piqued when they ran into the pop star during the contest, and he found himself really enjoying some of Simmons’ earlier work. [color=ed1c24]“Erm, Dorian knows more of the details than I do. I’m not quite sure where exactly we’re going,”[/color] he admitted. His boyfriend had done most of the planning for the trip - whereas Percy’s free time had been consumed with family commitments and rehab. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Well…it was gonna be a surprise, but I [i]guess[/i] I can tell you a little bit about it. We are ‘ended to t'e ‘imalaya's. T'ere's a wonderful resort t'ere oh and Tigers! Bagel Tigers!!!! And Blue Goats, or sheep, or somet'in’ t'at goes baaaa.”[/color]

Andy raised an eyebrow. Was there skiing there? Her only knowledge of the Himalayas was where mount Everest was. She could be wrong about that. 

[color=b71d5d]”Do you mean Bengal Tigers?”[/color] She was certain he didn't mean bagel as that was a type of food. 

[color=ed1c24]“Are you hungry, sweetheart?”[/color] Percy asked. [color=ed1c24]“There are some bagels in the kitchen, I can go grab you some?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh is it Bengal? T'at's weird. Why would t'ey call t'em t'at? Eit'er way t’ey're sooo cute! I wanna pet one while we are t'ere.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”I don’t know why they are called that. Also, those bagels are the bomb. There is a whole set up for it with fish and stuff.”[/color] She had never had bagels and lox before. But now that she had she was going to have that whenever it was the option. 

[color=b71d5d]”Is petting them allowed?”[/color]

Percy then blinked. He’d been so focused on the bagel vs bengal of it all, he hadn’t really processed properly what Dorian had said. They were going to the Himalayas? They were going to the Himalayas! He tried to bite back a grin, but he couldn’t help it, beaming from ear to ear. [color=ed1c24]“I don’t think a rule against petting the tigers would stop him,”[/color] he said with a slight chuckle. [color=ed1c24]“He’s too persistent.”[/color] He scooched a little closer to Dorian, and tapped his arm twice, a subtle request for him to put his arm around him. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I [i]Love[/i] a good bagel spread! Oh and schmere! I'll ‘ave to snag some in a bit. T'ere's t'is great bodega in New York, always makes my favorite bagel, t'ough t'e breakfast sammie I like is in a different part of New York which feels a bit like cheatin’ but t'is was I also get to pet twice as many Bodega cats!”[/color] Dorian frowned for a moment, his eyes wandering around the room as he realized that in all the excitement of the Contest and Christmas break, he hadn't had a chance to go and see Goose. He felt as Percy tapped him, putting his arm around him almost instinctively as he tried to figure out how he'd make it up to that wonderful fluff ball. [Color=CC99FF]”It's just a small pet, can't be too bad right? I'm not ‘urtin’ t'e tiger.”[/color]

Andy tilted her head. She was midway into a bite. Was Dorain joking? Or did he not know what a tiger was?

[color=b71d5d]”Dorian, I have to know... Do you know how big a tiger is?”[/color] She had never seen a bengal tiger in person. She [i]had[/i] been to a zoo. Andy doubted that Max hadn’t ever taken them to a zoo at least... right? Or did he have some moral reason not to? She could understand that. But suddenly Andy was very concerned that Dorian was going to try to pet a very wild creature. He’d probably be fine, just phase out and all would be good, but she still didn't think it was a good decision. Even if he wouldn’t suffer any apparent consequences. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh yeah! T'ey're t'is big roughly.”[/color] Dorian approximated the size of an actual tiger's height. [Color=CC99FF]”T'ey ‘ad some in t'e San Fran Zoo, I t'ink in Disney World too? But I've only seen t'em be'ind glass or cages and I wanna see one up close and no bars. Just t'em and me in t'e wild. Why do you ask?”[/color]

Andy let out a small sigh of relief.
[color=b71d5d]”I don't think the wild ones will let you pet them. If you've never been scratched by a cat you might not realize how dangerous they can be. People have been killed by large cats. And these are some of the largest if not the largest cats. The ones in zoos are trained and used to people. The ones on the wild might just want to eat you. Also are probably protected by the government.”[/color]

Ordinarily, Percy would have sided with Andy on this one, and dismiss the desire to pet a wild tiger as stupid. However, it wasn’t just anyone who had this urge. It was Dorian. Sweet, beautiful, stupid Dorian. So instead of ridiculing him, Percy sat there in thought for a moment. [color=ed1c24]“What if you approach the tiger while phased?”[/color] he suggested. [color=ed1c24]“Minimal risk of injury, and you can get as close as you like. Hmm. Can you possess animals, Dorian? Could you become the tiger?”[/color]

Dorian couldn't help but laugh at their concern. Sure Tigers were large creatures, dangerous even, but he'd managed to win over another feline far more dangerous than a tiger. [Color=CC99FF]”Guys, I t'ink if I can get Goose to love me I can get a tiger to do t'e same. And Goose is [i]way[/i] scarier t'an any ol tiger. ‘is scratches lead to permanent damage and ‘is bite can swallow a tiger whole. I'm not worried about an oversized ‘ouse cat. And yes Perce, Animals are able to be possessed by me, t'ough I usually prefer not to.” [/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Do you mean… a goose or something named Goose?”[/color] Percy asked, frowning slightly. He knew that geese could be pretty vicious, but he didn’t imagine they were any more terrifying than a tiger. [color=ed1c24]“Emus are far more horrifying than geese. Did you know that Australia waged a war against them in the 1930s and ostensibly lost?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Not [i]a[/i] goose, [i]The[/i] Goose. ‘e's an alien species t'at is also just t'e most adorable t'ing! Oh wait ‘old on!.”[/color] Dorian pulled out his phone and showed his new phone background. He always had last Christmas's image of him and Goose together as his wallpaper this time of year, usually changing it when he took the new one until the new year. 

Andy leaned forward to look at the image. She too had been confused. And the cat looked familiar. She thought she might have seen a photo or something of the cat before. But couldn't be sure. She was not surprised about the cat actually being an alien. Aliens were common enough. Technically she had until recently been dating one. 

[color=b71d5d]”Well if you get away with it, let me know.”[/color] Andy shrugged. If Dorian was able to pet a tiger, more power to him..

Percy studied the photo for a moment. It was just… a cat? Was the cat particularly violent? He frowned. Surely a better point of reference for a tiger would have been Amour or Amelie? He supposed it was an alien but… it was a cat. Was he missing something? [color=ed1c24]“Dorian… that’s just a cat,”[/color] he asserted. 

Dorian rolled his eyes. [Color=CC99FF]”No, common misconception. Goose is a Flerkin. ‘e's a race of alien's wit’ extradimensional stomachs t'at shoot out tendrils and claws t'at decay matter or somet'in’.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“What happened to the photo of us?”[/color] he pouted slightly. 

[Color=CC99FF]”What?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Your phone’s background used to be us.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Perce, I changed it every ‘oliday season. T'is is Goose from last year, I…couldn't see ‘im t'is year so I guess i wont ‘ave an up to date pic for next year…but, it's kind of like a tradition. “[/color]

Andy leaned back in her chair and let the tiff pass around her. She could feel the jealousy from Percy. He did not like to share. He did not like to be ignored. She considered these traits of Percy’s and tried to fit them into how she would deal with him going forward. Andy already knew not to touch Percy. Now she filed these new tidbits away. Joining them with the rest of the picture she had of him. Still obviously incomplete, but a little more detailed from today than she had known of him a day ago. Her phone background was the most basic one that came with it. 

Percy sulked slightly, and took another bite of latke. He liked being the background on Dorian’s phone. It was silly to be jealous of a cat, he knew, but… he was a little bit jealous of a cat. 

Silence fell over the three, over the photo of a cat. Dorian decided on how to break it, he hovered his phone up and above the three at a flattering angle as he snapped a picture of all three. [Color=CC99FF]”Time to make memories.”[/color]

Andy smiled as the photo was snapped. It was her usual smile, not the bright one that came spontaneously. This was the easy smile that she used most of the time. 

[color=b71d5d]”I don’t think photos are necessary to make memories. But they are good to look back upon.”[/color] She thought of a photo album that didn’t have a picture of her in it, but contained so many people and bits of her past jumbled all together. That album had broken her heart a little. To know that these people had thought she was dead and that there had been no proof of her life among them had been painful. She had cried. Dorian hadn’t understood why at the time. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you for sharing your photos with me,”[/color] she added suddenly. Her smile grew a little, but was sadder than before.  

Percy had gotten somewhat better at smiling for photos. He didn’t enjoy taking them, feeling a little on edge whenever a camera was brought out. But the people in his life now enjoyed taking them, giving him opportunities to practice forcing his face into a smile. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy Andy and Dorian’s company or that he was unhappy - yes, he was a little jealous of a cat, but it wasn’t a huge deal. He just hated photos of himself. If anything, he felt a little self conscious, too. He hadn’t meant to shut down the conversation. He smiled for the photo as Dorian took it. 

Dorian looked at the picture, smiling. He then realized what Amdy had meant, how that album, or well pancakes, had made her cry that night. [Color=CC99FF]”Now I can finally add t'e elusive Andy into my photo album! You'll need to sign it of course once I print it out. I t'ink…I t'ink I'm finally findin’ what I've been lookin’ for.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Sure thing,”[/color] Andy said. [color=b71d5d]”Ohh, I should get a photo with your dad’s. Dang, should have gotten one with Val too.”[/color] She had left barely any evidence of her passing through the world. It was good to know that there was proof of her now. 

[color=b71d5d]”Speaking of old photos though. Do you want that one that the two of you found? I don’t really want to carry it around still.”[/color] It felt a little weird to keep it. Dorian had his book of photos.

[Color=CC99FF]”If you don't want it, I'd love to add it to my book! And we can get one with Val soon I'm sure, just gotta ask em to come back down for a little photo op, or we go up to t'em. Neit'er is very ‘ard to do.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Yes, that’d be nice.”[/color] Andy smiled. A little relieved. The photo was of her and Zari on Genosha, some day before the final one. Andy wasn’t exactly sure when the photo had been taken. She didn’t even remember it being taken. 

[color=b71d5d]”I’d love to spend more time with Val too. For me it hasn’t been that long since I met everyone, or even since I saw them last. But that whole group, they are why I am alive. I owe them more than I gave them in the end. It’d be nice to show that appreciation.”[/color] She had gotten a holiday gift for Val, technically it was for Eva too, but she didn’t know Eva very well. 

[color=b71d5d]”Is it just me, or is it weird Val and Eva got together? Val doesn’t seem like the type to marry a literal pop star.”[/color] 

Percy did not know these people. This seemed to be a conversation between Dorian and Andy. So he pulled out his phone and opened up AO3, navigating to his bookmarks and resuming a plot heavy Achilles/Patroclus Song of Achilles omegaverse longfic he had been reading. 

Dorian shrugged. [Color=CC99FF]”I mean it makes sense to me. ‘er brot'er is a pop star too, and t'ey spend a lot of time toget'er given…stuff. So she met anot'er Pop Star, t'ey liked each ot'er, and next t'in’ i know I'm walkin’ down t'e aisle given t'em a ring. I was so nervous I felt like t'e sweat from my ‘ands would make t'e ring fall and vanish away. Luckily I ‘adn't ‘ad my powers yet so I couldn't phase it away.”[/color]

Andy laughed. [color=b71d5d]”I guess that’s fair. It is just funny to me that someone who disappears like Val does would end up with an actual pop icon. I forget that Harry is one too. So it makes sense once you look at it that way.”[/color] She gave a little shrug. 

[color=b71d5d]”Gideon had me listen to all of her albums. I won’t say I [i]enjoyed[/i] it, she’s not my style. But she’s good.”[/color] Andy could respect someone talented. 

[Color=CC99FF]”She is a bit more of Percy's speed I guess. So is ‘arry if ‘e ever gave ‘im a try.”[/color] Dorian grumbled out the last bit. [Color=CC99FF]”T'ough I guess now I'll ‘ave a whole new genre of music to listen to once you give me t'e mixtape. So excited for t'at!”[/color]

Percy glanced up from his phone, hearing his name. [color=ed1c24]“Who’s more my speed?”[/color] he asked. 

[color=b71d5d]”Eva Moore,”[/color] Andy told Percy. She smiled at Dorian. [color=b71d5d]”Alright, I’m stuffed. Let’s do something.”[/color] 

[color=ed1c24]“Who?”[/color] Percy slipped his phone away. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I'll show you ‘er later. You'll like ‘er.”[/color] Dorian polished off his plate before looking towards Andy and Percy. [Color=CC99FF]”What's t'ere to do on Hanukkah?”[/color] He knew different families did different things, traditions, during each holiday. But had no idea what might happen for these.

[color=b71d5d]”I know there are games, but I don’t know them yet. We’ve been busy and I haven’t had time to learn them yet.”[/color] 

Percy groaned slightly. He had been afraid this would happen. His last friend had been much the same way, wanting to learn the games you played on Hanukkah. [color=ed1c24]“They’re not fun games, but I will teach you if you wish,”[/color] he conceded. [color=ed1c24]“I can show you how to play dreidel.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Well, we can learn, and then laugh about how un-fun the game is,”[/color] Andy shrugged. [color=b71d5d]”There is a few sets over there, let me grab the box.”[/color] Andy went over to a cabinet and pulled out a metal box with several of the dreidels. 

Dorian watched as Andy began to bring over a box of what looked like tops. He wondered if this was anything like Beyblades, but he didn't want to voice that thought out loud. 

As Andy went over to get the dreidels, Percy collected their plates and returned to the kitchen, setting them aside. He’d spotted the familiar candy earlier, and approached the bowl of chocolate gelt. He took out thirty pieces - enough for each of them to start with ten pieces, and not so many that the game could drag on forever. He returned to where they had been sitting, and distributed ten of the candy coins to Dorian, and another ten to Andy. [color=ed1c24]“There are four sides to the dreidel, each with a Hebrew letter on them,”[/color] he began to instruct. 

He picked up a dreidel and showed the first side. [color=ed1c24]“This side is [i]nun[/i] - it means [i]nisht[/i] or nothing. If you spin and land on this one, you do nothing.”[/color] He then turned the dreidel. [color=ed1c24]“This one is [i]gimel[/i] - it means [i]gantz[/i] or everything. You take everything that is in the pot. The next side is [i]hey[/i] - it means [i]halb[/i] or half. You take half of what is in the pot. If it’s an odd number, we round up. And the last side is [i]shin[/i] - meaning [i]shtel[/i] or put in. You put a piece of gelt in the pot.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“We each start off with ten gelt. At the beginning of the round, we each then put one piece of our gelt into the pot. Whenever the pot is empty - or just has one piece - everyone will put a piece of gelt into the pot. The first person then spins the dreidel and follows the instructions for the side it lands on. Once they resolve that, play moves to the next person, and we continue on. If at any point you are completely out of gelt, you are out of the game. The objective is to win it all. Any questions?”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Nope, that’s straightforward enough.”[/color] Andy slid one of her gelt into the center of the table. [color=b71d5d]”Oh, let me do a practice spin real quick. I haven’t used a top since I was like five.”[/color] Andy twisted the dreidel and it spun perfectly for a moment before toppling over and landing on nun. [color=b71d5d]”Alright, perfect. I can do this. Ready?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Wait wait let me try!”[/color] Dorian grabbed the dreidel and attempted to spin it, having it somehow just immediately topple over with a thunk. [Color=CC99FF]”Wha– no…Andy ‘ow'd you do t'at?”[/color]

Percy tricked not to snicker. 

Andy did not try to not laugh. She laughed. [color=b71d5d]”Like this.”[/color] she repeated what she had done previously but slower for Dorian to watch.

Dorian tried to mimic Andy's movements, but it just wouldn't take. Sure, it spun a little this time, but it still virtually fell after three rotations. He huffed, tackling this problem the only way he knew how. [Color=CC99FF]”OK driedel, it's time for you to let it rip!”[/color] He wrapped telekinetic energy around the dreidels top, like an invisible string that he then pulled on to make it start to spin. And it worked. [Color=CC99FF]”It is a beyblade”[/color] He whispered out loud.

[color=ed1c24]“It’s a… what?”[/color] Percy tilted his head, confused. He was about to protest too that it was cheating to use telekinesis, but he couldn’t actually think of a rule against it. 

Andy giggled. [color=b71d5d]”Only if you pit it against another one.”[/color] Tilted her head thinking of how to explain bayblades. 

[color=b71d5d]”Uh, spinning tops that hit each other til one stops spinning,”[/color] Andy said with a shrug.

[Color=CC99FF]”Is pittin’ t'em against each ot'er Kosher?”[/color]

Percy couldn’t really visualize what Andy and Dorian meant. He stared at his boyfriend for a moment, before deciding that he didn’t actually need to explain what Kosher meant. He put one of his gelt in the pot, indicated for Andy and Dorian to do the same, and he spun the dreidel. It spun and spun and spun, before landing on [i]gimel[/i]. Percy took the three gelt from the middle. [color=ed1c24]“I take everything. And now that the pot is empty, we all contribute again,”[/color] he added, as he tossed in a single gelt. 

Andy did not know the answer to that question and decided to not answer. Andy slid another gelt in and waited for Dorain to do so too. Then spun the dreidel. The nun came up.
[color=b71d5d]”Do we add another gelt or does Dorian just spin it now?[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“You only need to add gelt when you roll [i]shin[/i] or the pot has one or fewer pieces left in it. Right now there’s three pieces again, and you rolled [i]nun[/i], so you are fine.”[/color]

Dorian placed a piece of gelt atop his thumb and forefinger and flicked it up into the air and down into the pot. [Color=CC99FF]”Let it rip.”[/color] He whispered as he made the top spin, waiting for it stop until it finally landed on…nisht. [Color=CC99FF]”Perce is cheatin’”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I’m not the one using their powers to spin a dreidel. And if I were cheating, what would you do about it?”[/color] He raised an eyebrow, before going to take his turn. The dreidel spun and spun, almost landing on [i]nun[/i] before it finally settled on [i]shin[/i]. He tossed a gelt in, bringing his count to eleven.

Andy raised an eyebrow at the teasing but didn't say anything about it. She spun the dreidel and it landed on [i]gimel[/i] she pulled everything in the pile toward herself leaving one coin for the next pot. She now had 12 pieces.

[color=b71d5d]”This sort of reminds me of that terrible card game [i]War[/i]. Have either of you ever played it?”[/color] 

Dorian raised an eyebrow at Percy's goad. What would he do? Financially ruin him in a game of dreidel that's what. Thankfully Erik had had metallic dreidels for them to play with, no doubt making it easier for him to spin as well. A little shift here and Percy pays more, a smaller shift there and Andy gets it all. It was simple. [Color=CC99FF]”War gets intense t'ough.”[/color] He threw another coin into the pot before going to roll. Another Nun, he groaned. 

Percy shook his head. He hadn’t played very many card games. He used to be really into Magic the Gathering, but he hadn’t touched it in a while. He didn’t really have anyone to play with, so his G’raha Tia Commander deck was gathering dust. He tossed in a gelt, refilling the pot after Andy’s victory, and he spun the dreidel again - and again, it landed on [i]shin[/i]. A little annoying to happen twice in a row, but he didn’t think anything of it - there were only four options, after all. He tossed in another gelt. He now only had nine. 

Andy spun the dreidel and it landed on nun. [color=b71d5d]”It is a terrible game at as soon as the cards are dealt the rng is over and who wins is determined. Basically with a deck of cards two people pull the top card of their half face up. Whichever number is higher wins and takes both cards adding it to the bottom of their deck. This goes on until one person wins. It takes forever, and is kind of boring.”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”T'at's because you probably aren't playin’ wit' an enchanted deck.”[/color] Dorian spun the dreidel, getting what he had now deemed the ‘gimme’ side as he pulled the pot towards him. [Color=CC99FF]”T'e cards we use are all RNG. The number and suit constantly shift until t'ey are flipped over.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Hm, your luck seems to have turned,”[/color] Percy noted, as he tossed a gelt in to the center, bringing him to eight. He didn’t mind that he was losing - if it meant the game ended faster, he would gladly throw every chocolate coin back inside. And his own luck seemed to agree with him, as the dreidel landed on [i]shin[/i] again. He threw another gelt in. And then he paused. There was something he needed to tell Andy about. He’d been waiting until Dorian was here. [color=ed1c24]“I met Gideon’s brother.”[/color]

Andy slid another coin in, making her amount 10. She spun the dreidel and ‘nun’ came up, she leaned back and titled her head at Percy's comment. 

[color=b71d5d]”Gideon told me she had a brother, but that he was dead. She didn't mention there was a living brother. Where did you meet him?”[/color] Andy would have to tell Gideon. This was probably someone lying, but Andy wanted to make sure she had all the details before she told Gideon. If she had a sibling she had presumed dead and wasn't she would want to know. She would also want to know if someone was pretending to be her sibling even if it was just to punch them in the face until they stopped.

[color=ed1c24]“At…”[/color] Percy cut himself off. He took a breath for a moment. He picked a spot on the wall to stare at, to memorize as he spoke. [color=ed1c24]“I met him when I was at CAGE for rehab a little over a week ago.”[/color] He swallowed slightly, his nerves temporarily skyrocketing, as a faint blue shimmer appeared around his hands. He had told himself he didn’t care if Andy knew. He had told himself that. He didn’t care. It was fine. Gideon deserved to know her brother was alive. He had told August he would help him and this was part of it. 

Andy paused, she watched Percy, then gave a small nod. [color=b71d5d]”What is his name? Not that I think you would lie to me. I just want to verify with Gideon. If I tell her this, it changes a whole lot for her.”[/color] 

Andy did not dig deeper into Percy’s situation. Addiction was awful and she didn't want to pick on him for it. He didn't deserve, no one did, to be picked on for such things. 

[color=ed1c24]“August Pearlman,”[/color] Percy said, recalling all of his antics - and the very real fear he had glimpsed. [color=ed1c24]“He’s… he’s very much like Gideon.”[/color]

Andy nodded again. [color=b71d5d]”Yeah, that's his name. Alright. I'll tell her, in person.”[/color] Should she wait for school to start? Or tell her during their upcoming planned date? Or should she call and tell her right now? The last didn't feel right. This was an in-person conversation. So right now was out of the question. She felt a little light headed suddenly. If this was Gideon’s brother what had really happened?

[Color=CC99FF]”Wait? Tall lanky guy? Licks people? Talks to ‘imself? T'at August?”[/color] Dorian asked, finally speaking up after having already peeled and eaten 4 gelt coins while the pair spoke.

Percy nodded. He grimaced slightly. [color=ed1c24]“Erm, excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”[/color] He got up off of the couch they’d been sitting on, and headed towards the restroom he’d spotted earlier. He needed a moment to breathe. Admitting that he had been in rehab had not been easy, even if it had been the right thing to do - and the noise of the party was starting to grate on his nerves. 

[color=b71d5d]”Wait do you know him too?”[/color] Andy asked Dorian after Percy left the table. She was fairly certain their game was over. She had seen Dorian eat at least one of his chocolate coins. She picked up one of hers and ate it.

[Color=CC99FF]”Kind of? I met ‘im when I visited April one time. ‘e uh…licked ‘er. ‘e seemed well enough…I guess? It's ‘ard to tell especially in CAGE. I felt so on edge t'ere I dont remember a lot…sorry.”[/color]

Andy chewed on her lip a little thinking. [color=b71d5d]”That’s a weird thing to do to people. Seems a little... invasion of personal space. Should I ask April about him? Or just tell Gideon? I don’t know how to tell someone that their dead brother is possibly not dead.”[/color] 

Dorian chewed on another coin, trying to think more on what to say. [Color=CC99FF]”Mon ami, you've got me. I don't know any which way in where you tell someone t'at. Maybe, I mean did Gideon say ‘ow ‘e died? It may ‘elp if it isn't somet'in’ crazy like natural causes.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”He didn’t die of natural causes,”[/color] Andy admitted. [color=b71d5d]”It’s weird, he died... Hmm, I don’t know if I should say. Gideon isn’t the most share-y type person and this isn’t my story to tell.”[/color] Andy cut herself off. She didn’t want to spread stories that weren’t hers to tell. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Wha-? No! Now you ‘ave to tell! You can't be a tease like t'at please? Besides ‘ow am I suppose to ‘elp you when I don't even ‘ave a full story to work wit’.”[/color]

Andy shifted, a little uncomfortable. She would prefer to have this conversation in private if she was going to tell Dorian. [color=b71d5d]”Can I ask Gideon if I can tell you?”[/color] She lay her head down on the table. [color=b71d5d]”Wait, that’s dumb. If I ask that she’s going to ask why. God what the hell?”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”T'at…I cant ‘elp wit’. Sorry”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”It is fine, she’s supposed to come by later. We’ll just go to my room and chat there. I think we should come up with a reason why we know this other than Percy meeting him. If you met him too, can we say that? I don’t want Percy to be more uncomfortable than necessary.”[/color] She didn’t want to lie, but this would technically be true, without outing why Percy met August. Andy lifted her head and leaned back in her chair again. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Yeah, I'm ok wit’ t'at if it makes you feel better to tell ‘er t'at.”[/color] Dorian realized that meant that he wasn't going to find out the brotherly lore. Laaame.

A moment later, Percy reappeared from the restroom, and he eyed the state of the pile of gelt. [color=ed1c24]“I see the game was abandoned, then?”[/color] He took a seat down next to Dorian again, tapping his arm again twice. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thanks.”[/color] Andy looked up at Percy as he rejoined them, [color=b71d5d]”Yeah, sorry. The chocolate is better than the game I think.”[/color] She tried to give him a reassuring smile. 

[Color=CC99FF]”But you know what's better t'an gelt? (But not the mystery of a dead brother) presents!”[/color] Dorian beamed looking towards the two.

[color=ed1c24]“I told you the game was bad,”[/color] Percy reminded them. On the subject of presents though, he tensed up slightly. He had brought gifts for both of them, yes, but he didn’t know if they would like them. He had very little idea what Andy would like. [color=ed1c24]“I’ll go grab them,”[/color] he then dematerialized, and reappeared a second later with two presents in hand. 

[color=b71d5d]”Oh, let me grab yours. It’s in my room. I’ll be right back.”[/color] Andy stood up and dashed to her room. 

Dorian just sat there, alone, for the briefest of moments as Andy raced off to grab her gifts and Percy his. In that moment, Dorian scooted all the gelt to himself and opened up a few, shoveling them in his mouth as he used his powers to float another latke over. 

[color=ed1c24]“Do you actually like gelt?”[/color] Percy asked as they waited for Andy to return, somewhat surprised. 

Dorian took a bite of the latke, still some chocolate in his mouth. He waited to swallow before speaking. [Color=CC99FF]”Its like, sweet and salty if you mix Latke and Gelt. So not bad.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“… I’m not kissing you with a latke-gelt mouth.”[/color] The chocolate and potato combination wasn’t the problem - it was the metallic taste the gelt wrapper left behind, combined with a cheap, poor quality chocolate. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Your loss.”[/color] Dorian said as he stuck his tongue out.

Andy was half jogging when she came back from her room carrying two packages. One was wrapped in Christmas themed paper, the other in Hanukkah paper. She handed the Christmas one to Dorian and the Hanukkah one to Percy. 

[color=b71d5d]”Happy holidays. I don’t know if you’ll like it or not Percy, or you might already have it. I don’t know. If you do, feel free to tell me.”[/color] 

Percy had no idea at all what Andy would have given him. He handed a present back to Andy, and then the other to Dorian. He’d already given him a Christmas present - a song he’d composed for him on the piano. He had struggled a bit to find another gift that felt appropriate for him. He hoped both of them would like them. He opened up the present from Andy, and immediately, he recognized the book. He already had a copy of it - not this exact edition, though. But most of the books he owned, he had at least three copies of. 

[color=ed1c24]“I don’t have this,”[/color] it wasn’t technically a lie. [color=ed1c24]“Thank you very much.”[/color]

Andy sighed, a little relieved that Percy didn’t have the book. She smiled and opened her gifts. First the one from Percy. It was a Star of David pendant. She didn’t have one yet. Andy had been a little nervous about it. Unsure of what order to take steps in. But this was a gift. It didn’t feel inappropriate. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you, Percy. This means a lot.”[/color] She put the necklace on. Then turned to the small package from Dorian. She froze. The old weathered deck of cards that was revealed from the packaging was something she had thought lost. She couldn’t even remember the exact last moment she had held or seen the cards. Andy was certain she had gotten it back after being frozen, but she didn’t remember where she had left the cards after that. 

Her eyes burned as she looked at the deck. She opened it. The cards were weathered. They’d be terrible in any sort of game where someone didn’t want Andy to cheat. She knew them all. Could tell them apart. She shuffled them. Her hand movements were smooth, practiced, nearly perfect. She moved cards with intention. One staying exactly where she wanted it no matter how much she moved the others. 

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you, Dorian. These cards were Jamie Drummond’s. He taught me how to fight, and he taught me a couple of magic tricks.”[/color] She slid the cards back into their box. [color=b71d5d]”How?”[/color] She asked, her voice quiet, staring at the deck. The box was primarily green with an Irish knot looping over it. 

Dorian looked at what Andy had gotten Percy, smiling knowing full well he owned three others of the same variety but happy his boyfriend was being nice about it and lying. When Andy opened hers, he wasn't sure how well she'd like it. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh…it was sort of a secret until well…Christmas. But, remember back at t'e Contest? When Billy, Danni, and I merged. T'ere was t'is…power inside of ‘im and I wanted to do some good wit’ it before we dissolved back to ourselves. I told Danni we should bring back Genosha, make it how it once was, and well…we did. Took t'e rents t'ere for Christmas and while I was t'e I saw t'e retro deck and t'ought…you may want it back.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”How did you even know it was mine? I left it, god where? Magneto’s place? I was there like a month. Unless the [gift from Max that we never decided] was there too? I really only left with the clothes on my back when I got there. When I left with Zari, the pillow followed me because it is magical. Pixie made it for me at Magneto’s request because I had the worst nightmares.”[/color] Andy was rambling. She held the deck of cards like they were breakable, close to her body. Magneto and her had talked about what happened to Genosha. How they had to leave, [i]why[/i] they had to flee. Danni and Dorian had fixed it. They had fixed her [i]home.[/i] Andy had struggled with that identity. Didn’t feel that she deserved it. She wasn’t born there like Danni. She hadn’t been conscious during its construction. But she had defended it, twice. She had lost people she had known and bled there. It was her home. She was Genoshan. 

[color=b71d5d]”I was lucky I even had these. I left the Drummonds’ in a hurry. It was on fire and we were being attacked. I literally had my jacket and the few possessions I had on me.”[/color] The tears that had burned at her eyes spilled and she wiped at them. 

[color=b71d5d]”Sorry. Crying... again. I just realized how much of the last year for me was running with what I had on me. I haven’t had [i]stuff[/i] in so long.”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”Eriks place was a little ‘and to miss. ‘E may be in Louisiana now but ‘e sure as ‘eck ‘as same taste in decor. Metal. Somet'in’ just I don't know…spoke to me about ‘em. Like when you go antiquin’ and you see somet'in’ t'at doesn't appear old it appears well loved, faded sure, but loved. So I took a gamble and snagged t'e cards up.”[/color] Dorian was fidgeting with the wrapping paper of the gifts on his lap as he spoke, nervous but excited.

[color=b71d5d]”Thank you, really. This means a lot to me.”[/color] Andy stood up and hugged Dorian real quick. [color=b71d5d]”Okay, sorry, open your presents.”[/color] 

Dorian opened up Andy's gift and screamed. [Color=CC99FF]”No way!!! T'is is so cool! Oh we ‘ave to do anot'er movie night soon now! Where do we even start? I mean obviously we can do –”[/color] He'd realized he hadn't opened Percy's gift yet, tearing it open to reveal a thoughtfully crafted coupon book. [Color=CC99FF]”Awe Perce! You shouldn't ‘ave! I'm gonna cash em in dont you worry. Even if its finals week.”[/color]

Percy smiled slightly, seeing how thoughtful Dorian’s gift to Andy had been - it had been the perfect thing to get her, to restore something she’d lost. He didn’t fixate on the fact that the Entity had been brought up again, when his boyfriend had merged with his old crush. No, he definitely didn’t feel a pang of jealousy go through him at that. Not at all. Not one bit. He was just happy that she had a nice Hanukkah gift - and that his guess about the pendant had seemed correct. 

Andy had crushed it too as it came to Dorian - as was evident from the scream. He couldn’t help but feel a little bit self conscious. Was his gift good enough? He rolled his eyes at Dorian’s reaction. [color=ed1c24]“Oh, I’m so very worried.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Glad you like it.”[/color] Andy did look genuinely relieved. She was sure Dorian would appreciate the box set. But she didn’t know for sure if he had all of the movies already or what. 

[color=b71d5d]”We def need to watch them. Percy, do you like horror movies?”[/color] 

Dorian began to flip through the coupon book again. [Color=CC99FF]”T'ere may be a coupon ‘ere t'at says ‘e ‘as to watch one anyways.”[/color] 

Percy did enjoy horror - although his preferred medium was in a book, as it was for most things. He’d seen one or two when Dorian put on a horror movie, but he’d found his boyfriend a bit too distracting for him to fully focus on the movie. [color=ed1c24]“I haven’t seen very many. I like Stephen King, though. And the classics - Frankenstein, Dracula, Carmilla, and so on.”[/color] 

[color=b71d5d]”Have you seen the original [i]Nosferatu.[/i] It is a classic horror film. Also, super important role in the history of film. When it came out it was not far enough away from [i]Dracula[/i] and they got in trouble. So it was ordered destroyed. But people kept copies of it and pirated it anyway. It’s one of those, the people refuse to be censored sort of things.”[/color] 

He shook his head. [color=ed1c24]“Is that in the collection?”[/color] he asked, looking at Dorian’s gift. He could appreciate a struggle against censorship - the most important books were the banned ones, after all. [color=ed1c24]“Could we watch it?”[/color] He was a little jumpy when it came to horror in film form, but in a group setting he figured it couldn’t be that bad - people would probably be talking the entire time and ruining the suspense anyway. 

Dorian phased the plastic wrapping off of the movie collection and began to search the titles within. Pulling out Nosferatu.[Color=CC99FF]”Bingo. Maybe we can watch it tonight when Gideon gets ‘ere? T'ink Erik would mind?”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Perfect. That should be fine. If I get called away for something you’ll be fine. I’ve seen it before. It’s also chill cause it is a silent film. There’s not any of the usual jump scares.”[/color] Andy pulled out her phone to see if she had a message from Gideon about her arrival time. 

[hider=@Andy]am outside[/hider]

Percy nodded, a little relieved to hear that there weren’t any jump scares. He was a little concerned it would cause him to reflexively teleport all the way back to California. He noticed Andy take out her phone, but any possible subtext of the choice was lost on him. So instead he opened up the present Dorian had given to him, revealing a pendant necklace. He gasped slightly, recognizing what it was immediately. [color=ed1c24]“This is a pen,”[/color] he said, his voice thick with giddy glee as he tugged on the pendant, revealing it was indeed a writing implement. He looked at Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“Will you put it on me?”[/color]

Dorian giggled. [Color=CC99FF]”Sure.”[/color] It was a genuine antique, and he was worried he may damage the clasp if he fiddled with it too hard. So instead, Dorian grasped the back edges of the necklace and made himself and it phase briefly as he wrapped it around Percy before bringing it back into solidity. [Color=CC99FF]”It’s like you were made for it.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Speak of the devil, Gideon is here. I’m going to get the door for her.”[/color] She looked over at the necklace. [color=b71d5d]”How is that a pen?”[/color] 

Percy blushed deeply, as he decided he was never going to take the necklace off. He immediately went back on his earlier rule of not kissing Dorian with latke-gelt mouth, giving his boyfriend a soft kiss. [color=ed1c24]“Merci beaucoup,”[/color] he whispered. [color=ed1c24]“Je l’aime. Je t’aime.”[/color] He then pulled away, before putting his fingers around the pendant and tugging, the pen coming away. He showed it to Andy. [color=ed1c24]“It’s effectively a cap, here, on the necklace.”[/color] He then put it back on. 

[color=b71d5d]”Huh, neat. Be right back.”[/color] Andy went to the front door and opened it. She grinned at Gideon.

[color=b71d5d]”Hey, welcome in.”[/color] Andy waved Gideon in and then hugged her. [color=b71d5d]”Percy, Dorian and I were talking about watching [i]Nosferatu[/i] you interested?”[/color]

Gideon gave Andy a hug back, before tilting her head slightly. “What’s that?” The movies she watched were in two categories: gay and gayer. And sports. She loved a good underdog movie, preferably about female boxers. And while she dressed in black and occasionally painted her face to look like the visage of a skull, it was more for the aesthetic than for actually being goth. She was a jock at heart. 

[color=b71d5d]”Classic horror. Basically the first Dracula film.”[/color] Andy pulled her the rest of the way in and shut the door. She held Gideon’s hand as they walked back to the table where Dorian and Percy were. 

[color=b71d5d]”We just did gifts. I still have yours.”[/color]

Gideon nodded. “My gift, uh, you can’t show them,” she said, her usual cool persona faltering for a moment. She held a bag in front of her, black with rainbow tissue paper concealing its contents. She then nodded at Percy and Dorian, and went in for a bro hug. “Sup!”

Dorian bro hugged her back. [Color=CC99FF]”Sup.”[/color]

“Dude, have you been working out? Your biceps look a little bigger,” she praised, before going in for one with Percy. 

Percy tried to teleport in time, but it was no use. He froze. 

“And you seem smaller. Sick!”

[Color=CC99FF]”Gotta keep up wit’ t'e sword trainin’ cant rely on my powers all t'e time you know?”[/color] Dorian flexed his arm for Gideon before using his powers to set her a plate of food and bring it over. He stole a latke off it. [Color=CC99FF]”Gotta carbo-bulk.”[/color]

“Why haven’t we fucking fought, man?” Gideon tapped the two hander she kept slung over her shoulder. “Can we fight now? I haven’t been to temple in a minute, is that allowed?” She looked at Andy, as if asking for permission. “Have you ever fought to the floor?” 

[color=b71d5d]”I think as long as we do it outside.”[/color] Andy thought back to the first time she had trained with Magneto. It had been [i]inside[/i] but there hadn't been guests. He did sort of look down on the contest though. 

She peaked into the bag and smiled. [color=b71d5d]”I can put this in my room and grab your gift. Then we can decide which to do first. Movie or spar. As for fighting to the floor, I don't know. I've done a lot of fighting so maybe.”[/color]

“If we can’t fight to the floor, can we fuck to the floor? Me and you, obvi. Sorry Dorian, but I’m not into twinks, even ones packing muscle like you.”

Andy got very red in the face and she nodded. [color=b71d5d]”Just us, no uh... witnesses. Unless it is America. And I just realized how weird that sounds.”[/color] 

Gideon pumped her fist into the air. “Hell yeah!!” 

[Color=CC99FF]”Im not big on to t'e floor anyways. I prefer makin’ my opponents forfeit once t'ey realize t'ey're outmatched. Also I don't t'ink Andy would be ‘appy if I killed ‘er girlfriend.”[/color]

[color=b71d5d]”Do not kill my girlfriends. Either of them.”[/color] Andy stood up and gestured the others to follow her. She stopped in her bedroom, placing the unopened present from Gideon on her nightstand. And the deck of cards next to it. She had put on the necklace. She picked up a wrapped box and handed it to Gideon. 

[color=b71d5d]”I honestly wasn't sure exactly what to get you, but I hope this is something you'll use.”[/color]

“Pffft, you can’t kill me. I’m immortal, bro. But fine, be a lame coward,” Gideon sighed. “My brother would’ve fought me to the floor, y’know.” 

Percy was a little sad he wasn’t going to get to watch Dorian sword fight. Despite not knowing how to use a sword himself, he really admired watching his boyfriend train with one. He used to play with wooden swords with his best friend when they were younger, just hacking away at each other in the random parks they’d find their ways to in the area. He missed that. And Gideon wasn’t the only one who’d noticed improvements to Dorian’s physique. [color=ed1c24]“You could spar without going to the floor… it would be good training for both of you…”[/color]

Gideon shrugged, before ripping open the present from Andy - and she screamed. “LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOO!!! THE THIRSTING BLADE IS GONNA LOVE THIS!!!!” She wrapped Andy in a huge hug, spinning her around before putting a kiss on her jawline. It was a sword care set!! She’d lost hers!! She needed one desperately!! 

[Color=CC99FF]”Fine. Pops is on standby, Andy can get ‘im if it gets bad. We fight to t'e floor, no deat’ as you can't die so only until one of us is unconscious.”[/color] Dorian decided to remove the turtleneck as it would impede his movements, leaving him in a simple white tank top as he unsheathed his sword. 

Andy wanted to say something when Gideon mentioned her brother, but Percy told Dorian to fight and Gideon opened the gift. Thank god she liked it. Andy smiled and kissed Gideon back. 

[color=b71d5d]”Back yard.”[/color] Andy reminded them and led them out to the back yard area. She hadn’t spent much time there. Magneto liked sitting on the front porch so when they were outside it was usually there. She’d tell Gideon about the chance her brother was alive later.

Dorian and Gideon stood on opposite sides of the yard, Gideon with her bastard sword and Dorian with his longsword. He quickly closed the gap as Gideon attempted to block with their blade, Dorian's own sliding down the flat of it and leaving a small cut on Gideon’s cheek. She seemed to…smile? Dorian went to back up, give some distance, but in that moment Gideon took advantage. She locked her leg behind Dorian's, making him begin to fall and as Dorian caught himself with telekinesis, she baseball swung her sword against his skull and knocked him out. 

“THREE STRIKES, YOU’RE OUT!” Gideon screamed. She didn’t actually know how baseball worked. 

Percy immediately went on over to Dorian, freaking out as he dropped. He knelt down in the ground next to him, trying to assess if he was breathing okay, if there were any wounds or blood from the contact. Meanwhile, Gideon was running laps around Dorian, holding her sword above her head like a gladiator. “YOU CAN’T BEAT ME, BITCH!!!! I’M THE FUCKING KING OF SWORDS!!!!”

Andy watched the fight. She was impressed. She needed to do more sword practice. Lady Nimue had given her one. Andy checked that Dorian was going to be okay, and gave him a thumbs up. 

[color=b71d5d]”Okay, so that was super hot. My room?”[/color] She asked Gideon with a raised eyebrow. 

“Yes! Fucking absolutely!” Gideon stared at Andy for a moment, before doing the chest-slam-jump at her that football players enjoyed doing. “Sorry losers, better luck next time!” she then called out to Percy and Dorian, before eagerly heading inside. She knew where Andy’s room was. 

Andy laughed, [color=b71d5d]“See you guys later.”[/color] She followed Gideon back to her room. Two things on her mind. First she did want to spend some time... making out with Gideon. Then she was going to tell her about August. 

Once they were into the room, Gideon set her sword down on the bed carefully, and then turned to Andy. She put one hand on each of Andy’s thighs, hoisting her up into the air so that way her legs could be wrapped around her, and pressed the two of them up against the wall. “Mm, you taste like… batteries?” Gideon asked, a little confused as she kissed Andy the way she always did - leading with tongue. Once she was certain Andy had a secure grip on her, she took one hand off of her thigh, sneaking it underneath her shirt and letting her nails brush up gently on her back - and a slight growl escaped her throat. “Fuck, I missed you.”

Andy wrapped her arms around Gideon to steady herself, not that it was needed much. Gideon was impressively strong. She tilted her head trying to figure out why she would taste like batteries. She gasped at the touch of Gideon’s nails on her back. 

[color=b71d5d]“I had latkes, and gelt. Not together. But the gelt was the last thing I ate. I missed you too.”[/color] Andy slid one of her hands into Gideon’s hair, tugging at it gently. 

[color=b71d5d]“I have been thinking about seeing you again since the last time I saw you.”[/color] 

“Mm, harder, princess,” Gideon instructed, as Andy started to pull on her hair. “Must be the gelt.” She then started trailing kisses from her lips, to her cheeks, to her jawline, to her neck. “Hickey okay?” she then asked. 

[color=b71d5d]”Probably. I’ve definitely had better chocolate.”[/color] Andy pulled harder on Gideon’s hair, she nodded at the question. 

[color=b71d5d]”Yes.”[/color] There was enough time before school started, and also she didn’t really care. If any of her friends saw it she’d shrug. And if anyone else saw it she really didn’t care about their opinion. 

Gideon gasped slightly at the tug, taking quick little breaths as she sucked on Andy’s neck, leaving little bites behind as she went. “Need everyone to know what I’ve done to you,” she muttered, before pressing her hips even harder into Andy. 

Andy giggled a little, [color=b71d5d]”Yes.”[/color] She [i]liked[/i] this, liked being touched, and loved. She moaned as Gideon pressed against her. 

An appropriate amount of time later, Gideon took Andy away from the wall, laying her down onto the bed next to the sword. The two of them were covered in sweat, their hair disshelved, but Gideon was on cloud nine. She’d gotten to fight Dorian [i]and[/i] Andy to the fucking floor. “Happy Hanukkah, gorgeous,” she murmured into Andy’s ear. “When’s movie time?”

[color=b71d5d]”Happy Hanukkah,”[/color] Andy had a shit eating grin on her face, she moved so that Gideon had space. [color=b71d5d]”I’ll text Dorian in a bit and ask when he is free. I have something potentially very important to tell you first though. Your brother, August, you mentioned him.”[/color] 

“What about Auggie?” Gideon asked, unconcerned. “Is he in a doll?”

[color=b71d5d]”Oh god no. Uh, Dorian said he thinks he met him. Well he met someone claiming to be your brother.”[/color] That was the truth. August may have told Percy that he was Gideon’s brother, but Dorian [i]had[/i] met him. 

“Well, that’s fucking weird,” she said, shrugging slightly. “I didn’t know corpses could talk.”

[color=b71d5d]”He is at CAGE. Apparently alive, and licking people.”[/color] Andy gently rubbed Gideon’s back. She wasn’t surprised that Gideon wasn’t reacting intensely. Gideon tended to be fairly nonchalant.  

Gideon paused. He was licking people? Her brother had always loved to lick people. It was his way of saying hello. She didn’t know how to feel about this. Even in a world of superheroes and monsters, her life was simple, easy, straightforward. She fought people with her giant ass sword. She fucked hot girls like Andy. That was it. She didn’t have brothers who were secretly dead and now licking people as an undead.

“Is he a zombie then? I thought zombies bit people.”

[color=b71d5d]”Uh, honestly, I don’t know. If you want you can ask follow up questions of Dorian, and Percy. Or if you want we can go to CAGE and visit him?”[/color] 

“Nah!” Gideon put her sunglasses back on, getting up out of the bed and going to find her pants from where they’d been abandoned. “I think I’m good.” Her brother wasn’t alive. He was dead. It was simple. Easy, really. She didn’t - she didn’t need anything complicated in her life. “Wanna text them about the movie now?” She grabbed her sword and put it back on her back, and then shimmied back into her pants. 

Andy grabbed her phone and sent Dorian a text. 
[hider=@Dorian]”Sooo Gideon doesn’t seem to care? Also when do you want to watch the movie, we are ready.”[/hider]