#and of course Emily's spirit hanging out in blue butterfly form is a popular one in the fandom :)

[victorluvsalice]

Happy Birthday Deathmaiidens!

@deathmaiidens -- as per your request, we have the Van Dorts (as in Victor and Victoria) at the seaside, enjoying a little beach picnic, with a special visitor coming to call at the end. :) Enjoy!

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“Well – I didn’t think I’d ever agree with your mother on anything, but – this sea air is quite invigorating.”

Victor chuckled, taking a deep breath as he looked across the sand at the tide lapping the shore. “It is quite a nice change from Burtonsville,” he agreed, adjusting his position on their blanket so his leg didn’t fall asleep. “And especially the cannery.”

“Oh yes, I can imagine,” Victoria agreed, picking up another sandwich from the spread between them before giving him a mock-stern look. “But we did promise not to talk about your work while we were here, didn’t we?”

“We did, but I’m not sure mentioning how horrible the cannery smells is really talking about work,” Victor argued, taking a slice of apple. “At least, not in the same way as me telling you about how tricky getting some of the ledgers in order is.”

“Perhaps not, but it’s at least brushing up against it.” Victoria laid her free hand on his as she nibbled her sandwich. “How about we talk about the croquet game we’re attending tomorrow instead?”

Victor worried his lower lip. “I’m – not entirely sure that’s a more pleasant topic. You know I’m not very good at sports.”

“I know, but your mother’s already arranged the visit, and I doubt anyone will think the less of you for not being able to hit the ball perfectly through the hoops.”

“I’m more worried about losing my grip on the mallet and sending it flying through a window.”

Victoria paused mid-nibble, looking at him sideways. “Do you really think that could happen?”

“Ask the glazier my parents had to bring in when I was nine.” Victor sighed, leaning his chin against his hand. “Still, it wasn’t as bad as when Mother tried to make a cricket-player out of me. I broke three windows during those lessons.”

“Oh dear me.” Victoria gave him an awkward smile. “Well, ah, just – keep a tight grip on the mallet?”

“It’s either that or feign illness so we don’t have to go.” Victor shot her a cheeky grin. “And I’d rather save that excuse for Lady Sunderland’s ball on Friday.”

“Ah, yes, I’d managed to forget about that...I think I’ll join you in being ill that day,” Victoria said, shuddering. “I already know the Kingsleighs will be there, and I don’t like their daughter at all. And she’s sure to be even less friendly now that I’ve managed to marry before her.”

“We’ll both develop massive headaches that evening,” Victor promised. “And then hide in our rooms and find a better way to spend the time.”

Victoria smirked. “Did you mean that to sound as saucy as it did, Mr. Van Dort?”

Victor went pink – then blinked as a blue butterfly suddenly winged past him and settled on his hand. “Oh – hello there,” he greeted it warmly, glad of the distraction. “Come for a visit, then?”

The butterfly flexed its wings. “It’s always lovely to see you again,” Victoria said, giving it a smile. She glanced out at the vast blue-green expanse of the ocean before them. “Did you ever visit the seaside in the Land of the Dead?”

The butterfly crawled around, pointing its feelers in the direction of the water. “I’m not sure they have oceans down there,” Victor said thoughtfully. “At least, not like we have them. Probably they’re just full of dead fish.” He winked at her. “Like the cannery.”

Victoria shook her head with a laugh. “Always back to the cannery. . .but if that is the case, I’m glad we can share the beauty of the living ocean here.”

Victor nodded, leaning his shoulder against hers. “Me too.”

And just for a moment, the sea breeze felt like cool arms around them, and seemed to whisper in their ears, Me three.

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