Author's notes: Why, hello there. It's been a while since I've posted anything here. This is a story I've been playing around with in my head for a while, and I finally sat down and began to write it. Updates might be slow, unfortunately, but they will come, so please be patient. Please also let me know if anyone seems out of character (keeping in mind this fic takes place maybe a year into the future of the current KND timeline), because keeping people in character is something I strive to do.
With all that said, please sit back and enjoy the fic. Reviews are appreciated, of course, and feel free to leave critique—I'm always looking to improve.

Everything is Alright

Prolouge

Abby stepped into the Artic prison, a package held under her arm. It had been quite a while since she had last been here, and she was momentarily disquieted by the emptiness of the visiting area. No matter; the only thing that mattered was that the person whom she was here to visit was there, separated from Abby's side of the prison by the wall of glass that was in place in each of the visiting booths. He was flanked by two guards on either side of him ("A bit overkill, 'f ya ask me," Abby thought to herself) and shot Abby a sour look when she slid into the seat across from him. She waved her hands at the guards, indicating for them to leave. They nodded, and after another moment they were gone.

"Vell, vell, Abigail Lincoln," Heinrich crossed his arms, glaring narrowly at her. "Vhat brings you here zis time? Come to mock me some more?"

Abby rolled her eyes. "Quit bein' so over-dramatic, Heiny." She said easily, to which he replied with an indignant snort. "When have I ever come here to mock you? I just wanted to stop by to give you this." She pulled the package out from under her arm and slid it across the table. Heinrich blinked, staring at her suspiciously, then reached under the glass for the package. He glanced at her again, and then tore off the wrapping paper. Sitting among the remains of the parcel was a slip of paper, which he picked up and held in front of him, staring at it incredulously.

"Vhat is zis?" He demanded, after reading it. "A pardon?" He threw the paper on the table in disgust. "Ha ha, very funny, Abigail. If you've only come here to torment me—"

"Fine, 'f ya don't want it, I can always take it back." Abby interjected, sliding the pardon towards her. "It took an awful lotta persuading to get that pardon, you know; Numbuh 86 thinks you're not rehabilitated yet, but she don't know you like I do." She tipped him a wink. "But I couldn't stand to see poor ol' Heiny spend another birthday in this place."

Heinrich's face flushed, and he grabbed the pardon back from Abby, tucking it neatly into his pocket before looking at her scornfully.

"Don't think zis makes us even, Abigail Lincoln." He muttered, cheeks still red. "But—" She waved her arm dismissively.

"No need to thank me," she said, tipping the bill of her hat upwards so her eyes were more visible as she stood up. "Just make sure you don't go pullin' anything, or I'm gonna be the one to get the blame. I know you've changed, but don't go thinkin' Numbuh 5'll go easy on you just 'cause we're friends. She'll be the one bootin' your sorry butt back in here."

"You flatter me, Abigail." Heinrich said, smirking at her. He touched the note in his pocket briefly, as if to reassure himself that it was really there before continuing to speak. "I suppose I can force meinself to behave for a little vhile."

Abby smirked back at him, shaking her head a little as she headed towards the door. "Glad to hear it, Heiny. Oh, and happy birthday."

She left, her footsteps resonating loudly in Heinrich's ears. Then she was gone, leaving him alone in the cold, silent room.