This Is Real

I'm not completely sure what I expected when Alexander and his mother were reunited. Tears? Hugs? Kisses? All complete with warmth and smiles I've seen both Alexander and his mother capable of. Of course, shock was the only emotion I could read off Alexander's face at the moment.

I was smiling happily at him when his eyes turned to me. "Happy birthday, princey." My love had been dealt a difficult hand in the cards of life indeed. Not only had he lost his mother, unrightly so, at a young age but has lived so long without thinking to ever see her again. This should be a relief almost, that those terrible years are over now.

But the silence that followed my words showed anything but relief. "You call this a birthday present?" He spat at me, his body shaken with anger.

I was surprised at the outburst, anger being the furthest thing on my mind about this. "W-What?" I asked, shocked to the core.

"Who told you to go to the Forbidden City and bring her back?" Alexander yelled at me. "Who are you to decide whether my mother can be back or not?" He slammed his fist into the wall, his hair turning pitch black and his eyes going to the red I am growing accustomed to seeing.

As always, I felt the need to defend myself. "I did this for you! I thought you would appreciate this!"

"Did I ask you to do this for me? NO! I didn't even want to celebrate my birthday so what is this?"

"I thought you would like having your mother back." Heaven knows I would. I allowed myself to admit, even if only in thought.

"AND WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT, VIOLET?"

I knew that when he was this angry, there was no point in arguing. He was an emotional wreak and saying mean things, getting worked up and fighting fire with fire...well it'd make a bigger fire that would make it more difficult to make amends for. So I responded calmly with, "Don't yell at me."

"Dammit." He swore before turning and storming off, in flight of course.

My heart ached from every last bit. For the fighting, for the heartbreak in the matter pertaining to why we were fighting, and I questioned if I had done the right thing.

"Well staring where he went isn't going to make him come back all happy again." Alexander's mother said, gently. "And I'm sure he will forgive you." She paused. "Well I think...I don't really know, I mean he could be a grudge holder...he was a bit of one as a boy but he always forgave the ones he loves...he does love you, does he not?..."

If that was suppose to be comforting, which I think it was, it didn't really do it's job. But I gave her a weak smile for trying. "I think it would be best if we got you reaquianted with everyone and informed Dimitri of Alexander's run off. He'll be able to recover him better than the rest of us."

"Splendid idea!" For someone who had been welcomed home kinda harshly, she didn't seem to notice or really mind.

When we got downstairs, however, it appeared as if Dimitri had already known. He waited, bottled of liquor in hand as always, for us to come down. "Is that alcohol, Dimitri?" Veronica tsked.

He smiled at her. "Why yes it is. Would you care for a drink, my dearest Aunt?"

"No thank you." She chirped happily. "I don't drink often. Maybe Violet would like some, offer her."

Dimitri's eyes met mine and he regarded me cooly. Naturally, he had not forgotten the ill words we had exchanged in what seemed like forever ago. It amazed me that I had, even if only for mere hours.

If Alexander's possy wasn't here, I wouldn't have asked, "Would you mind if I stole Dimitri for a bit and left you?"

Whether she understood we had to talk or she was just oblivious and happy-go-luck in general, she nodded merrily. "Go right ahead! Don't worry your pretty little head over me, dear." Yup, I'm going with the latter.

"Would you mind if I had a word with you, Dimitri?" I asked, politely. Zane looked between the two of us, as if offering back up. From what Alexander had said and my own observation, he very well might be a good mediator. "Alone?" I added, because Dimitri and I both had pride and were big enough to handle this on our own.

Dimitri nodded and we walked out and down the hall. "Am I right in assuming that this is about earlier today?"

"Yes." I said, stopping once we had reached a far enough distance. "I was really not myself and lashed out against you, Zane but particularly Alexander. Unrightfully so, I must add."

"Ah, yes, I can agree to that." He said, taking a swig from that damn bottle.

I didn't comment though, for I knew why he drank. The demon. "I think you deserve to know why before I apologize. I'll make it quick. I have an interesting temper. While Alexander is definitely capable of infuriating me like no other, and I am easily annoyed, I don't really get that angry. Not often. It happens every now and then, leftover anger just builds and builds and explodes. You think you had it bad? You should've seen King Vladimir and my mom."

Dimitri, despite all, smiled. "As interesting as witness a bloodchild in action?"

Memories of the uncontrollable rage and power filled my head, of the blue-green magic, being told of my glowing eyes and my almost demonic like voice... "Uhh...not quite...it was as close as one could get with not being a bloodchild..."

He raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I should offer you a drink."

I shook my head and the memories away at once. "I'm all set. I just want to say I'm sorry, Dimitri." I said sincerely.

Dimitri was silent but he met my eyes and the forgiveness was there, even though he didn't say the words, "you're forgiven."

With that said and done, I acted on impulse and gave him a quick hug. "Now lets get back in there."

Wisely, he didn't comment on the hug, just rolled his eyes with a lazy smile and we walked in...right to Veronica being face to face with good old Leo. For some reason, everyone was standing outside the two, not desperately trying to get her away from him. Look on the brighter side, Violet, if she's banished again you at least know where to find the city. I comforted myself.

"Is there a problem here?" I asked, Dimitri at my side looking more serious.

"Not at all, dear." Veronica said gently. "Leonardo is not very happy with me being here but I was just explaining how now isn't the proper time for that when his son is angry and about."

I raised an eyebrow at the whole notion. Since when is Leo father of the year?

"Well you reach out for him and I'll go out looking for him in a bit. I believe he still needs some time to cool off but locating him is probably in everyone's best interest." Dimitri suggested.

"Very well." I left them to that, taking only Zane and Veronica with me.

"So...telling Leo about Alexander's situation is a good idea because...?" Surely being banished she knew what an awful tyrant the man was.

"Leo?... Ah Leonardo!" She frowned, clearly not knowing it. "Well because he is Alexander's father of course!"

Zane gave an indifferent shrug, which would explain why neither he nor anyone else interrupted when she spoke with him. I, on the other hand, wasn't like them. "But that doesn't excuse him to behave as he has. He is...well not nice." For some reason, the string of names I usually called him didn't seem appropriate to say in front of Veronica. She seemed too...innocent.

"Well I could tell you that! But everyone deserves a second chance, right?" She asked me, eyes lighting up. "I mean, you are my Alexander's second chance at love and a happy ever after."

With all the comparisons to Lydia, she hit a nerve. But I smiled anyways, it's not like she meant harm. It was truly hard to believe she ever could, yet having survived in the Forbidden City, I know she must be able to. "I suppose you're right." I said softly. When we got to the room, I suggested she napped after the travel and how tiring it had been emotionally. She also had a lot more in store. Luckily, she agreed and went to sleep in Alexander's room.

"You know, I'm still awaiting my apology." Zane said, smirking. "I mean Alexander got one...Dimitri got one... I must be next right?"

I chuckled. "I don't know you did royally piss me off."

"But I gave you the reality of the situation."

"True." I sighed. "Zane, I am sorry for my attitude towards you. And for asking you to keep secrets from Alexander for me. It was wrong on both accounts."

"It was. And you're forgiven." He patted me on the back. "Because a good part of friendship is forgiveness."

I smiled. So he wasn't just Alexander's friend, he was mine now too? "I don't know I've always had...different sort of friendships so to speak." Preppy high school girl friends, drug friends, work friends, sex friends...all which are said to be friends but not usually so at the end of the day. Not like Alexander's friends that is.

He smiled genuinely. "You'll learn then, Vi." And he came up with a new nickname to add to the list that always seemed to grow since I started to 'work' for Alexander.

I smiled back. "Alright now get out of here. I've completely neglected working this entire time so now I'll focus soley on guarding Alexander's mom. Friends are distracting so leave."

"Bossy, but I'll go. See you later."

I watched Veronica sleep, forcing myself to focus on her breathing, the sounds and creaks of the castle and the workers inside it, utterly aware of every movement. It wasn't until she awoke that I broke out of that mode, with actual thoughts other than listening and observing.

"Morning, sunshine." I greeted warmly. "Want a new change of clothes or are you comfortable in those?"

"I'm comfortable, thank you."

"Would you like something to eat? Drink?"

"No, I'm all set, Violet, dear. But perhaps a walk would be nice. It's been too long since I've been here, I'd just like to walk while we wait for news of my son." Fair enough.

I took her for that walk and we happened to run into Anita. It was a bit awkward for me, since I knew how Anita had become and surely felt like a mother to Alexander. Yet now, low and behold, was his actual mother. Yes, very awkward.

"This is Anita, the head nurse and basically runner of the household." I introduced. "And Anita, this is Veronica, Alexander's biological mother." Putting biological in there was last minute and perhaps offending, but if Veronica noticed, it didn't affect her.

Veronica smiled brightly at Anita. "How delightful to meet you! I do not recall meeting you prior to my banishment!"

Anita cleared her throat, still feeling awkward, as would I if I were in her position. "I was hired afterwards, my Queen." Afterwards, eh? Did the whores not make good mother figures?

"Of course." She murmured, understanding now just who Anita was. "Are you dear to my son, Anita?"

Before Anita could be bashful, I answered, "Very much so. Anita has looked after him dearly, tended all his wounds, listened to any sorrow he would share, dealt with every temper tantrum and showed him as much warmth and tenderness as she would her own child."

Half of me felt the need to defend Anita, the other to protect Veronica from the pain that being away for so long as caused. Alas, it was pointless to be so torn and much easier for all to just go with the facts. Anita had been the one there throughout all these years, the motherly figure who had raised and taken care of Alexander for so long, not his mother.

Not that it was her fault, but let it not be forgotten.

The strangest thing happened. Veronica's eyes swelled with tears and she pulled Anita into a tight embrace. "Thank you." She whispered. "He has turned into a dashing young man. While it is my genes and blood that run through him, it is your upbringing that has helped shape him just as much. Thank you for taking care of him while I've been gone." She stepped back, releasing her. "I hope you do not plan on backing out completely now that I have returned."

Anita smiled, her eyes a bit watery as well. "I don't think I would be able to do that after looking out for him for so long."

The two women smiled at each other, on verge of tears, with an understanding only a mother could have. While it was beautiful, I felt a bit like I was intruding.

Luckily, before I had to say or do anything, Dimitri's scream, "ANITA!" was heard loud and clear, only meaning one thing; he found Alexander and it was not pretty.

We all ran out, Leo somehow joining us to see Dimitri supporting Alexander. "Oh lord, what happened?" His mother said, running up to him. It wasn't hard to see how weak he was, or to smell his blood which was mixed from debreis you would find on the ground, or feel horrible like all of it was your fault since you angered him.

"Well, I don't know either." Dimitri said while looking at Alexander. It was difficult to hide though. I stared at Alexander as he stared me back in the eye. How could he do this to himself? It hurt to see him in so much pain, unable to support himself. I had never before seen him so...weak. He walked...no really it was limped, right by me as Anita led him into the infirmary.

He was still angry, that much was obvious. But he was hurt. I couldn't take my eyes off that damaged wing as Anita prepared him for setting it. "This is going to hurt very badly. You know the drill."

I watched as Anita grasped around the first half of his wing, making him gasp. Then with a quick motion, she snapped his wing back into place. He screamed at the top of his lungs and automatically I ran up to help him. Anita told me swift and firmly to relax though.

And I didn't. However, I didn't interrupt her like I was about to. I sat through as the yells continued, eyes closed, on the couch parallel from his bed, knees tucked under my chin. Is this what it was like for him when I was hurt? Is this what he felt? The secondhand pain from my own?

When I opened my eyes, Anita was long gone and Alexander was by the window, staring out. I walked up to him and placed my hand on his shoulder which he promptly shrugged off. Really?

I grunted in frustration and sat in front of him. If he thought I would just go away easily, he is so wrong.

"What are you doing?" Alexander asked, glaring at me.

"How long are you going to stay mad, Alexander?"

He shrugged and looked away, "I just...she's going to be cast away again and I'm going to be stuck in the same position I was as a child."

Ah, so that's what it's all about. He is scared of history repeating itself. Does he forget he is not a child anymore? I shook my head, "No. You're not. You have power now, you can have her stay."

"Her life will be hell here."

From what I saw with her and Leo earlier today, it was difficult to believe so. "Again, it won't. She just wants to get to know you now. Catch up on the years she's missed out on."

Alexander sighed and put his head in his hands. How was I to reassure him that it would all be okay? That he wouldn't lose his mom again?

My thoughts were interrupted by Alexander's arms being wrapped around me. Immediately, my frosty exterior melted as I did into his arms.

"I'm so sorry for the way I was acting. I guess anger just replaced shock. I'm honestly happy that you did this for me and I'm beyond grateful." Love is often forgiving one another, like friendship I suppose. Perhaps it's just any relationship. Either way, I kissed him passionately to silence him and show him all was forgiven. He tightned his arms around me and picked me up, gently laying me on the bed. With his powers, he flipped the lock on the door to ensure that no one came in.

"Don't get too excited." I said, motioning to his wing. "You'll hurt it again."

My angel shrugged. "It can always get fixed."

"I'm not going to cause you anymore pain."

"Enough with the talk," He said, peeling off my shirt, "Let's get to business." He said with a wink and began ravishing my lips once again.

Finally, my make-up sex.

Alexander was laying on his stomach as I massaged his poor wing. You know, in my high school days, I had seriously considered being a massuse. "Have I told you that I love you?" He asked me.

"Yes, but it's always nice to hear it again." I laughed.

"Alexander! Violet!" anita said through the door, not daring to enter, "Whatever shanningans you two are up to is going to have to be put on hold because Alexander needs more medicine!" He glanced at me and laughed.

My prince carried me into the bathroom and pulled on his clothes, then walked out. I looked around the bathroom for something decent to wear. Unfortunately, nothing flattering was in here. So I settled for a giant t-shirt and some jeans. I checked the mirror and well...you could tell I had a good time by the horrible mess my hair was. I tried combing it with my hands to calm it down a bit, but in the end, the basic pony-tail was the way to go. Once I was finished, I walked out.

And just in time too because Leo came in, Veronica in tow with a small distance.

"How is your wing?" He asked, folding his arms and staring at my boyfriend. Again, father of the year since when?

"None of your concern." Alexander answered while staring at his mother. Awhh he can finally look at her without shock or anger towards me!

"I am your father." Hehe I feel like just going demonically, 'Luke...I am your father.'

"And?" But before Leo could respond, he said, "Leave."

"Excuse me?" Leo asked. You heard him, douchebag!

"I would like time to catch up with my mother, so leave."

"This is not over!" Leo said...but for once, listened and walked away. Anita followed. And of course, that's my cue. Alexander glanced at me but I just smiled and mouthed 'later' before walking out and closing the door.

I, most likely out of boredom, decided to try something new. I caught up to Leo and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey...thank you for being good for once and letting them catch up." I said, meaning every word. See, rewarding people when they do good things makes them want to do good things more often. Eventually, they may stop looking for the rewards.

Leo looked at me with interest, but made no further comment on his actions. "The assult outside yesterday...that was to learn where the Forbidden City was, right? You're the one who brought Veronica back?"

Not as dumb as he looks. I met his stare with a cold one. "Yes. And if you try to banish her back there, or anywhere else, you won't just have your son angry with you. You'll have me too." I threatened, some of the power I stirred up from the argument with King Vladimir coming back. "Actually, if you so much as even disrespect Veronica in front of me or if I hear about it, I will make you pay. Do we have an understanding?"

He nodded, unable to look away. I remember him once describing my 'own species' as strong and indescructable. The look he gave me then is similar to the one he is giving me now. I closed my eyes, calmed myself. "Then we're done here. Good day." I walked by him and past Anita, murmuring something about going for a run.

I ran to my house, the one Alexander had bought me for my birthday that I had grown up in. I knew that there would be nothing in there about what I am, but I looked anyways. Maybe the furniture had hidden notes about what my anger and powers were all about. Maybe I had answers.

After a half hour, I gave up searching. I layed down on the couch and looked up at the ceiling, wondering if there was a heaven. If there is a heaven...is my dad up there, or is he in hell for making his own daughter an expirament. Honestly, I hoped he made it to heaven. He still raised me, showed me some sort of love...

Oh father...not God like my actual father...why did you do this to me then leave me?

Sadly, I'd never know.

When I got sick of my little pity party, I decided to burn some energy. I got my Ipod, put in my headphones, and ran while listening to Icon For Hire. I ran probably for a solid two hours before I returned to the castle. I walked in on Alexander taking a shot, Dimitri with him obviously. I took out my headphones and put them away.

Alexander whistled, "Why, heeeellllloooo thereeeeee sexyyy."

"Uh...hello?" I said, staring skeptically at him. He stood with the bottle in his hand, he stumbled a little but regained his balance. I've only dealt with drunk Alexander once, and it was before we were dating. So...it's been awhile.

"You are just soo daaamned beautiful." He said, slamming his hand into the wall next to my head. Alexander raised his eyebrows, "Oopsies!" he said before laughing. "Violet." he whispered in my ear, 'causing a chill up my spine. Drunk or sober, it doesn't matter, his voice still calls to me.

"What?" I whispered back, trying not to show any sign of want or need in my voice.

"I want you." My boyfriend said putting his hand where it really shouldn't be.

"Now's not a good time, hun." I gasped. Oh dear God, control yourself woman! I mean I even have a one man audience.

"Then when is?" He asked, running his hands up my curves. This hardly seemed fair. If he was sober, I would be able to participate in the foreplay or better yet just skip right to the sex. But no, he was drunk and apparently horny. I faintly heard Dimitri laugh. Alexander's lips ran up my neck, "Come on, please."

I began to nod but once I realized I was nodding, I shook my head. And I got to the otherside of the room as fast as I could! "No! That'd be rape!" I am not allowed to be horny now~

"Technically, it would be rape if he resisted." The oh-so-helpful Dimitri put in.

"And I know I wouldn't resist." Alexander purred, walking around the bed. Great, come closer, just what I need.

"But you're drunk! You don't know what you're thinking right now!" I pointed out.

"I know that I want you...in my pants...in my bed..." He winked. "Sounds inviting, eh?"

Mmm oh yes it does. Dimitri started cracking up as I said, "Ye-NO. I MEAN NO! I refuse."

He walked towards me, this time trapping me against the wall with his body. Part of it was my fault for not seeing the trap coming and doing nothing about it. The other part was his for being too attractive.

"How," he whispered, kissing my neck, "Can," he said, trailing up, "You," he nibbled on my ear, causing me to shiver, "Resist this?"

I can't. I am weak. I cannot. "God dammit." I whispered, leaning my head back against the wall slightly panting. I want him so bad, my whole body was just screaming at me to kiss him, touch him, feel him... I glanced at Dimitri with pleading eyes.

Dimitri rolled his eyes. "Alexander! Have a drink with me, cousin! The lady doesn't want it." What a lie.

Alexander grinned. "Okay!" He yelled, jumping over the bed and stealing the bottle. After taking a large swig, he grinned then looked at the bottle, "I've missed you, friend." He said, then hugged the bottle to his chest.

Dimitri decided to leave then. "Good luck, princess." He said, leaving me with the sexy monster he made by supplying liquor.

Alexander looked at me, an alluring grin on his face. "Ohhh Viollletttt..." He said before locking the door. I feel like I've been trapped in some sort of fucked up porn video.

Drunk man convinces horny teenage girl to let him fuck her...

While I amused myself with that thought, I missed Alexander finish the bottle and looked up just in time for him to grab me. "Now that we're aaaaloooone..." He said, resuming where he left off and kissing my neck. His hands roamed over me and I arched my back, pushing myself against him while creating more surface for him to kiss.

In the back of my head, there was a little voice screaming stop. I ignored it and let Alexander's lips touch mine...and then the voice reminded me how drunk off his ass my boyfriend was and I pulled back. "Uh," I cleared my throat, "Baby...I'm tired..."

"Not as much as you will be when you're done with meeee..." Oh man, do I love being that tired.

Focus, Violet, focus! "But it's more than that. I'm not in the mood tonight." Lies. Venemous lies.

Even drunk Alexander could tell. "You lie!" He laughed, before pushing me down on the bed, "You know what I do too liars..?" He whispered in my ear.

I shook my head, but I anticipated a highly sexual response. "I punish them." Ahh, yes.

Alexander took my shirt off as I pictured longingly how punishment would go, planning on never getting there...well tonight. His body was warm and inviting as he pressed against me, his manhood pressed against me, igniting a fiery desire. "Do you need punishment, Violet?"

Yes. Oh god, yes. All night, all day, I don't give a damn just do it! I nodded let him kiss me. His tongue parted my lips and explored my mouth hungrily. It felt good...but tasting the vodka I realized my mistake.

I shoved him off me and ran straight to the bathroom, locking the door behind me. My breathing was irregular and I searched with urgency for something, anything to tie Alexander up for the night. Or at least until he fell asleep.

"Ohhh Viooollleeettt..." He called from outside the door.

Ignore him! I got the shower curtains, which were stronger than they looked, and held it behind my back. "Alexander, honey, get on the bed and be ready for me." I purred.

Sure enough, when I got out, he was on the bed, smiling and with yet another bottle. Oh for heavens sake! I smiled and sauntered on over, going ontop of him and taking the bottle as I did so. I dropped it to the ground, never taking my eyes off his. "Oops."

I then sat up, straddling Alexander as I did so. "It's my turn for play, Alexander."

The desire burned in his eyes even though he was smiling a drunk, goofy smile. I tied him to the bed with the shower curtain, thanking whoever was listening that alcohol his literally his weakness. It meant he wouldn't be able to break out.

When I was done and had him all tied up, being very careful about his injured wing, by putting extra pillows for comfort there, I kissed his forehead. "You miiiisssed..." He taunted.

I smiled. "No I diiidn't." I said, getting off him. I cleaned up the bottles as Alexander attempted to get out of it.

"Violet." One word, my name, but he said it so beautifully... No, be strong.

"Night Alexander. I love you." I said, turning off the lights and putting my shirt and headphones on again.

Next time, I'm gonna be the drunk one!

A/N: What a lovely way to end the updates of three chapters! Tehe please review and read Alexander's side, if you don't know the routine by now, make me smile and laugh by reviewing every chapter because chances are this is your first time reading through the story and are lucky you had 21 chapters just waiting for you! Tehe anyways thanks for reading, until next time - Sam