#vicbertffch

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Six: teachers!au

Albert got to class early that morning to prepare everything. In the early hours before anyone showed up he dusted the room and cleaned all surfaces. Then he sat at his desk, nervously rearranging all his papers as his students filtered in. This was an important day today - the principal was coming to sit in on his history class. Albert prided himself on his teaching, and got along fairly well with his students, but the thought of being inspected made him extremely nervous. What made it worse was that he had a huge crush on the principal.

Her name was Victoria Kent, and she was very out of his league. She was beautiful, witty, clever, confident and everyone loved her. Albert couldn’t help but feel jealous when he saw her chatting to other teachers and preferring their company to his - particularly the male ones. They had talked a few times but Albert had rambled and he was worried she was just talking with him to be polite. Anyway, even if he wanted to he couldn't ask her out because she was the principal and he was a measly social science teacher.

And in a couple minutes she would be here. Drawing a deep breath, he got out of his chair and turned to the whiteboard, writing out the lesson plan neatly. He had just put the cap on the pen when the bell rang and Victoria swept in like an angel from above. She looked very pretty in her tailored pants, white blouse and heels. Her hair was tied back which highlighted her luminous blue eyes. The students shuffled around as she came to greet Albert with a smile.

"Mr Coburg, how good to see you" she greeted warmly. "I hope you were expecting me?"

"Of course Miss Kent, there is a desk at the back for you to occupy." He nodded at her with a small smile before turning to address his class of teenagers.

"Right class! As you should know Miss Kent is observing you today so please show some respect and be on your best behaviour." He winked at them before turning to face the board. His history class was one of the best behaved in the school so he wasn't worried about that. It was his teaching that might fall under the mark.

He was teaching them about British monarchy today, a subject he was particularly passionate about, so the class flew by faster than expected. He almost forgot about Victoria in the corner, apart from when he would look up and see her smiling serenely at the back, scribbling a word or two onto her notepad. It made him lose track of what he was saying a couple times, but everything else ran smoothly. When the bell rang for next class he fell into his chair in relief. He had no class next period and was grateful for the break.

What he didn't expect was to look up after a minute and see that Victoria had approached his desk. She met his eyes with a smile, and perched herself on the edge. "Would you like to hear how you went?" She asked.

Albert was taken aback. Usually he got a report in a week or so, or a meeting if things went terribly. He had avoided that meeting so far - but never did the principal share her thoughts straight after. It must have gone terribly then, Albert assumed glumly. "Well alright then" he answered. Best to get it over with.

"Albert, your teaching is amazing. I was very impressed with the way you handled those students. Your content is interesting and you are very engaging. I could find nothing to critique" she admitted.

Albert stared at her. Was she serious?! Praise on his teaching was a great boost to him, but from the principal - from Victoria - it was the best thing he had heard in a long time. "Thank you Victoria. That means a lot."

"You're welcome..." She gathered her belongings and got up to leave but paused at the door. "Albert" she sounded apprehensive as she faced him. "I was wondering...would you be interested in going on a date with me?" Her voice sounded nervous, and she bit her lip.

Albert felt like he could sing for joy. Victoria was asking him out! He felt like a teenage boy, all lovesick over a girl. But he reigned in his emotions and managed to keep a straight face as he said: "Well yes, but only on one condition."

"Yes what is it?" Victoria was anxious.

"Don't tell the kids. They'll tease me to no end" he said with a laugh.

She looked relieved. "Of course, tomorrow night at 8pm at that Indian restaurant then?

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Twenty: fake dating!au

Albert was reading on a bench seat in the library when his best friend flopped down onto him. She laid her head on his lap hair splayed out, her feet just fitting on the seat. Her lips were pursed as she looked up at him.

"Something the matter?" He asked, snapping his book shut and putting it aside.

Victoria groaned. "It's a someone actually...you know William Melbourne right?"

Albert did indeed. Just his name made his blood boil, but he kept a placid expression. "Of course. What did he do to wind you up?"

She grunted. "What didn't he do. Insist on being lab partners then boss me around, keeps lurking by my locker only to slam my door shut when I open it, splash water in my face when I go to drink at the fountain...you'd think he's twelve!" She gestured exasperatedely with her arms.

"Oh" Albert knew what was going on here. "He's so into you." The thought would make him jealous if he didn't know how much she despised the guy.

Victoria gave him a concerned look. "You sure? Oh how can I get out of this mess..." she spent a good thirty seconds pondering, and just when Albert went to pick up his book she exclaimed aloud. "Aha I've got it!!"

Albert raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Ill pretend to date someone else to put him off...someone like you!" She beamed up at him. Albert stared down at her in disbelief.

"Ah Victoria that's not your brightest idea...that's the kind of idea that ruins a friendship." In fact, he couldn’t bear the thought of fake dating her. He wanted so much more than that.

Victoria sat up and looked him straight in the eyes. Man those blue eyes were distracting. "Albert, you remember when you went into the girls bathroom in year eight and I helped you escape with dignity. I'm cashing in my favour for that."

Albert ran a hand through his hair. Truth be told, he would do anything for Victoria. "Fine." She hugged him close.

"Might as well start now!" She said chirpily.

 Albert was so screwed.

---

It was not as hard as he thought it would be to fake date Victoria. In fact, it was quite enjoyable. It was their same fun friendship, with the occasional row, except with the added bonuses of random hugs or kisses on the cheek. What was even more satisfying was seeing William's face after. So worth it.

But deep down Albert knew he was in too deep. Because Victoria was a great actress, but his acting skills weren't up to it and soon enough he was going to fall apart. Being with her but not being with her was slowly killing him without his consious knowledge. A few weeks had gone by and there was no sign of stopping.

Albert noticed that William had well and truly backed off about a month after they started fake dating. He was relieved, because he could finish this and they could go back to being friends. No more confused emotions...hopefully.

He approached Victoria afterschool one day. She was perched on the wall outside school waiting for her ride.

"Hey Vic" he greeted her, sliding alongside her. She grinned at him.

"Hey Albert." No one else called him by his full name, it was always Al, so he loved it when she called him that. "How was your day?"

"Fine." He fiddled with his hands. "Look Victoria I think its time to fake break up."

She stared at him, looking a bit shell shocked. "What but why?" She asked, eyes wide and slightly misty.

"Well we did what you wanted and got William off your back. We can go back to being just best friends again." She didn't look as relieved as he thought she would.

Victoria hunched over, picking at her jumper sleeve. "Yeah ok...." she looked so morose. Then suddenly her back straightened and she turned to face him with a steely look in her eye. "Actually Albert I don't want that at all." Then she leaned forward and she was kissing him properly, hand knotted in his hair. His breath flew from his lungs before he kissed back with fervour. His hands went to her waist instinctively. It just felt so right.

Then a car horn broke their concentration and they opened their eyes to see Victoria's mum waiting in the car. Albert went red as Victoria laughed airily. She smiled at him warmly.

"See you later real boyfriend." His heart lurched as she said those words before strutting off. This could not have gone better if he had dreamed it.

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Two: Canon Parents

Victoria finished writing and stretched, looking longingly outside at the sunlit grounds. It was a hot day and she was sick of being stuck inside the stuffy palace.

“Albert, I am bored of answering letters for today” she announced, standing up out of her chair. He stopped reading and put down his book, looking up at her with a bemused smile. She liked being the taller one for once.

“Oh are you now. And what do you plan to do with the rest of your day?” he enquired, eyes twinkling.

“As a matter of fact I had the perfect idea...we can go on an outing with the children!” She smiled down at him, clapping her hands together. Albert’s mouth had turned down. “What is the matter my Angel? Isn’t it a great idea - we haven’t taken the children out in public yet.”

“Of course Victoria, but I would have rather used our time in other ways...the children and your duties have kept you busy of late.” She laughed at him, coming around the desk to put her hands on his shoulders.

“Well I will make sure to clear my calendar for tonight then” she kissed his cheek softly. “Now make yourself ready, I’m going to sort out the children!”

---

“Do you really think cream is the best colour ma’am?” Mrs Skerrett queried, holding up the dress Victoria had picked for Vicky to wear.

“Yes, she will look lovely in it. Why?” Victoria responded from where she looked over outfits for her son. She wanted them to look dashing for their first public outing.

“Well, ma’am, you know how children are, always wanting to play and get messy..”.

“Oh no need to worry, we are taking the carriage to the park so Vicky will stay nice and clean.”

“As you wish then.” Skerrett lay the dress aside and started helping her Queen get dressed herself.

---

“Ah isn’t this lovely” Victoria sighed, tipping her head back so her bonnet fell away and the sun rays warmed her face. She clutched Vicky on her lap who was bouncing up and down with excitement. Lehzen held Bertie and was looking delighted at the way he was grabbing at her hair. She could hear the clops of the horse that Albert rode ahead.

“It is indeed ma’am” Lehzen smiled. “So nice for the children to get out into the sunshine.” They rode along through the streets on their way to the park. Victoria waved along with Vicky at the passerby who gaped up at them in wonder.

“I wonder that we hadn’t done it sooner!” Victoria exclaimed. “It is nice for my people to see that I have a family, just like them. That they are not so dissimilar to I.”

They trundled along and soon entered the park. The leaves dappled the sunlight down onto their carriage, and fresh air wafted their way. There was the sound of children laughing and ducks quacking on the lake. Victoria hung onto her daughter as she leaned out to pluck a flower from an overhanging tree. She smiled as Vicky placed it behind her ear. They drew up in front of the lake.

Suddenly, there was no child on her lap anymore. Victoria let out a cry of alarm as she watched Vicky open the latch of the carriage with ease and run across the grass. She got up, hitched up her skirts and scurried down. “Vicky!” she called, before turning back to Lehzen who sat there in shock. “Please look after Bertie!” she pleaded before running after her daughter. Her progress was slow as she tripped over her skirts every fourth step. Vicky was chasing a duck who had waddled into a patch of trees. Victoria sped up her pace, and it seemed like she was catching up to her daughter when suddenly the bouncing curls and cream dress disappeared. Victoria stopped in her tracks in horror.

“Vicky darling!” Her voice cracked with worry. She ignored the scandalised gasps of ladies nearby as she plunged into the trees, pushing aside branches. Victoria’s heart thudded as she came across a bank. At the bottom sat Vicky, muddied and staring up at her with tears running down her cheeks. Without a second thought Victoria was down the bank with her. She picked up her daughter and cradled her close, ignoring her own muddied dress. “Oh my poor child. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

---

“Victoria?”Albert had heard Lehzen’s calls and had followed his daughter and wife across the park before they both suddenly disappeared. The wind was picking up and he was very concerned. “Vicky? Liebes?” He pushed into the trees desperately. Then a curly head popped out of nowhere and Vicky was reaching out for him. He grabbed his daughter and embraced her, placing a kiss on her head before setting her down. “Now where is your mother?”

His question was answered when Victoria came scrambling up the bank, lacking her usual grace. She caught his gaze when she stood up and he enveloped her tiny frame. He held her for a few moments before letting her go, eyes running up and down. “You’re not hurt?”

“No Albert, do not fret. Neither is Vicky.” Victoria hitched her daughter up onto her hip to carry. “We just had a bit of an adventure, nothing to worry about.” Her airy tone was not enough to hide her shaking form from Albert. He placed an arm on her back and led them back to the carriage and his tied up horse. Lehzen and the driver stared as they came to the carriage but didn’t speak a word. They all rode home in silence and arrived to find a surprised Skerrett waiting in the entrance as they all trudged in. 

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Five: Roommates!au

“I don’t want to go on holiday” Victoria sighed to her best friend Louise over the phone. “The last time our family and the Saxe-Coburg’s saw each other was a nightmare!”

“Victoria” Louise Lehzen’s voice was sympathetic but firm. “It’s been eight years since you last saw them - you’re twenty years old now! You can survive a holiday with family friends.”

“You haven’t met them…” Victoria muttered under her breath before saying goodbye, hanging up the phone and trundling her suitcase downstairs.

—

“Well here we are!” Victoria’s mother announced cheerily. Peering out of the windscreen, Victoria saw a quaint house perched by the sea, with grey clouds brewing overhead. “It looks lovely doesn’t it?”

Victoria exchanged looks with her brother Alfred. The house wasn’t what she would have described as lovely, especially with a storm incoming. Another car had already parked up.

“Remind me, who’s coming out of the Saxe-Coburgs?” Victoria queried, biting her lip nervously as her mother maneuvered the car into a park.

“Well there’s Ernie, Leopold, Ernest..” that was a relief, Ernest was a good sort “…and the youngest Albert.” Victoria drew in a sharp breath - her last encounter with Albert hadn’t been pleasant. She punched Alfred to stop him silently laughing at her reaction. Flashbacks to an impromptu piano recital made her shudder as she relieved the embarrassment.

“Right.” Victoria frowned. She was 20 for goodness sake! Louise was right - she could survive this. Hopping out of the now parked car, she grabbed her suitcase out of the boot and trailed her mother and brother up to the house. She had to admit, the house was actually quite pleasant, as she wandered in the front door, but the company would most likely be less so.

“Hello!” Her mother called out into the seemingly empty house. Immediately footsteps sounded and soon four men had entered the foyer. Three of them had large smiles while the other lurked at the back with a placid expression. It was Albert, no doubt about it. They exchanged pleasantries and then there came the issue of sleeping arrangements.

“Well” Leopold clapped his hands together with a grin. “We put yourself in the master bedroom Marie, and myself and Ernie will have the rooms downstairs. Ernest and Alfred will share one of the double rooms, and Victoria and Albert can share the other.”

Victoria gaped. She had to share a room with Albert?! How on earth did that happen?? She narrowed her eyes at her mother and Leopold - this was probably part of their plan to set herself and Albert up.

Alfred clapped her on the shoulder. “Right sis let’s get your bags upstairs!” He hoisted them up and they followed the two Coburg brothers up the stairs to the upper floor. Alfred dumped her bags in her room and left with Ernest. Albert shut the door and turned to her with an apprehensive expression.

“So, uh, you can have the bed by the window if you like? And just tell me when you want to get dressed…I’ll leave” he offered. His hands were fiddling together, and Victoria had to admit there was something endearing in his german accent and awkward manner. Not to omit that he had changed since they had last met - he was very handsome now.

“Thank you Albert for that offer, I’ll take you up on it” she smiled at him, shifting her suitcase to the window bed. Out the window the sea bashed against the rocks and there was no beach in sight. She sighed wistfully, and flopped down on the bed.

“So Albert, its been a while. How have you been - what have you been up to?” She asked, looking at him side on.

He cleared his throat. “Well I’ve been studying history at university and travelling a bit. Its been nice to be free of my family for once.” She was taken aback by his easy reply. It seemed conversation wouldnt be so hard.

“That’s cool - where have you travelled?” she queries. They continued chatting away for a good couple hours until they were called down for dinner.

—

The next day was raining and miserable. Victoria huddled under her blankets as late as possible before padding downstairs. Albert was hunched over the fire, trying to get it started.

“Where is everyone?” She asked, flopping onto the couch.

“Out getting supplies from the nearest town. Turns out we have no supplies between us apart from food and clothing. Its a while away so they won’t be back until later.” His hair fell in his eyes as he intently tried to catch a flame. Finally it worked and he sat back, looking up at her. “Do you want to play a board game or something?”

Victoria happily took up his offer, turns out she enjoyed his company, and they got out monopoly. A few hours later she regretted that decision as she was in a lot of debt and Albert had hotels on nearly every tile.

“This is not fair!” She complained, finally running out of money.

Albert gave her a small grin. It completely transformed his face and took Victoria aback. “Well maybe we will have to try another game next time.” She just nodded mutely.

—

That night after everyone returned and they had eaten they lay in their beds, listening to the rain, thunder and lightning. Every time the lightning flashed Albert jolted.

“You alright there?” Victoria asked, sitting up laughing. But as soon as she saw his expression she quieted. He was petrified.

Albert gritted his teeth. “No, actually. My cousin was killed by lightning when I was three and I’ve been terrified since.”

Victoria worried her lip. What should she do? Finally, she plucked up the courage and got out of bed. She walked over and paused beside him. “Can I get in?” She asked gently. Albert managed to nod mutely. Pushing aside the covers, she sat down and got comfortable. Tentatively, she started stroking his hair. He relaxed under her touch and was asleep in minutes.

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Seven: secretadmirer!au

It was a normal monday in November, or so Victoria thought. She had a slow start to the morning but made it to school and got through her classes without much fault. It wasn't until lunchtime that the day turned abnormal. She reached into her bag for food and pulled out a paper bag instead. Inside she found a white flower and a note.

My favourite flower for my favourite person, from your secret admirer.

Surprised but flattered, Victoria looked around for who could have given her that gift. Seeing no one out of the ordinary she slotted the flower into her bun and continued on with her day.

---

The next day Victoria had forgotten about her secret admirer. That was until her third class French, when a paper bag sat on her chair. She opened it to find a necklace with a mini spaniel dog on it.

A beloved pet for my beloved, from your secret admirer.

Victoria could barely contain her amazement. She adored her spaniel, Dash, and the fact that someone had gone to the trouble of getting a necklace of him was beyond believable. Victoria strung it around her neck happily, touching it every so often during the lesson. She couldnt help but wonder who this secret admirer could be. The fact that they new about Dash certainly narrowed things down. She had only told a few people about him. Unsure of what to do, she decided to discuss with her closest friend William Melbourne afterschool.

William made his opinion quite clear. "This person is creepy Victoria! They've obviously been stalking you to find out this information." But Victoria found she couldn't agree...the secret admirer thing was rather sweet. She went home awaiting next days parcel.

---

On wednesday Victoria was eager for her gift. It came in her drama class, hidden between props in the storage room. She huddled in there away from classmates and opened it up. It was a piece of sheet music from Mendelssohn, her favourite composer.

A beautiful symphony for my beautiful darling, from your secret admirer.

He heart swelled at the gift - this person was so thoughtful. But this secret admirer was going to be caught, because she knew only two other pianists who would play this sorr of music in the school - the Coburg brothers.

So at break she approached Ernest eagerly. "Hey!" She greeted him with a smile. "I've been looking for some new piano composers and was wondering if you had any recommendations."

He narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously but still replied. "Chopin without a doubt." Victoria thanked him, but couldnt help but delight in his answer. Now there was no doubt who her admirer was. She thought about him for the rest of that day - Albert, the elusive german exchange student and her long time crush.

---

As much as Victoria wanted another gift, she wanted to uncover Albert as soon as possible. So she waited for history, a class they both had before approaching him at the end as students filtered out.

"Hey Albert" she smiled, sliding into the desk alongside him. "I couldn't help but notice a paper bag under your chair. It looks exactly like one I was expecting to receive." She knew she was forward, but after those notes she didn't intend to be subtle. He liked her and she liked him - it was as simple as that.

"Oh I dunno what you mean" he mumbled, cheeks reddening as he bowed his head. His curls fell in front of his face endearingly.

"I think you do" she said firmly. Victoria reached over and titled up his chin. He met her gaze, face apprehensive and nervous. Man he's cute, Victoria thought, leaning over and planting a kiss on his lips. It was short and sweet, but left a long lasting impact on both people involved. Albert looked happily stunned while Victoria grinned at his reaction.

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Fifteen: opposites attract!au

Albert was apprehensive. "A blind date? Ernest are you sure this is a good idea ?" He questioned his brother who was fixing Albert's jumper.

"Yes it is a wonderful idea brother!" Ernest assured him. "You are an intellectual person and value personality in a woman...this is a good way to get to know someone without issues of physical attraction interrupting."

Albert let out a resigned sigh. "Fine - but you will be close if things go wrong?"

Ernest clapped his shoulder. "Of course Albert."

---

Albert fiddled with his shirt sleeves as he waited for his date to arrive. He wore a blindfold over his eyes and the lights were dimmed in the restaurant so he honestly couldnt see a thing. But despite this he was hopeful for the date. Most women were turned off as soon as they saw his tall gangly figure and soft spoken voice. He had been friendzoned more times than he could count. Maybe this blind date would mean he wasn't judged on appearance alone.

Then the door opened and he heard Harriet, Ernest's girlfriend's voice, welcoming the newcomer. This must be his date. He straightened up, even though she must have her blindfold on by now,and listened as Harriet guided the woman over.

"Victoria, I'd like you to meet Albert" Harriet introduced, guiding Victoria into her seat.

"Hello Albert" Victoria greeted. She sounded rather apprehensive herself, with made Albert feel a bit better. Victoria smelled lovely, like his mother's favourite flowers.

"Hi Victoria" he greeted. He waited for Harriet's footsteps to recede before speaking again. "Were you forced into this as well."

"Yes!" Victoria laughed. "How did you guess? Apparently, according to Harriet Im desperately single."

Albert chuckled in return. "Ernest says something similar. Don't worry you're not alone."

"Where are you from Albert?" Victoria queried. "You have a fascinating accent."

"I'm German, from Coburg" he explained. "Harriet's partner Ernest is my brother."

"Ah! That explains a lot!" Victoria exclaimed. "My mother has friends from Coburg actually, a Leopold...ah I cant remember his last name."

"Is your mother also called Victoria?"

"Yes actually! You know her?"

"Well Leopold is my uncle. He speaks of her often."

"Huh, small world" Victoria mused.  For a while they ate in silence - nibbles as they couldn't exactly eat a full meal without seeing it. Victoria was rather charming, he thought, but he wanted to know more than just her family history.

"So Victoria" Albert said. "What do you do for a living?"

"I'm an advisor to her majesty actually" she confessed. "Helping her respond appropriately to various diplomatic incidents and such."

"Well I actually work in diplomacy! Used to be a history teacher but then got into politics and such."

"Wow how fascinating!" They kept chatting away as Ernest and Harriet watched from a nearby table. Victoria led most of the conversation while Albert made quiet but thoughtful comments occasionally.

"Im surprised at how well they are getting on" Ernest confessed to his girlfriend.

Harriet gave a wry smile. "I'm not surprised at all. They balance each other out...opposites attract you know."

Ernest shook his head. "Apparently."

---

It wasn't until they realised they had only eaten breadsticks for two hours that Victoria and Albert considered actually ordering some proper food. Which of course meant taking off the blindfolds. Albert was very nervous - what if Victoria didn't like what she saw?

They slipped them off on the count of three and took in each other's appearances. Albert's mouth fell open. Victoria audibly gasped. She was stunning, Albert thought, with her vibrant blue eyes and smooth complexion. And she was staring at him in the same way he must have been looking at her.

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Nineteen: secret dating!au

Victoria straightened up as she heard a knock at her apartment door. She knew her flatmates were out but she did an extra check of their rooms before hurrying to open the door. As an extra precaution she looked through the peephole before flinging the door open.

Almost immediately she was swept off her feet, a laugh escaping her. Kisses were peppered down her face and neck by the offender, his stubble tickling her.

"Missed me a little?" She asked cheekily as he lowered her down. Albert beamed at her warmly.

"I've missed you too much Liebes" he replied honestly. She grinned up at him as he leant down to plant a proper kiss on her lips. Reaching on her tiptoes she pushed him back onto the couch breaking the kiss. He looked startled but not disappointed as she made her way towards him.

They both froze when they heard a cardoor slam shut and footsteps. Victoria then sprung into action, shooing Albert into her bedroom and into her closet. She mouthed a sorry to him before shutting the door.

It wasn’t like she didn't want to tell everyone her and Albert were dating, but it was that she didn't want to give them the satisfaction. Literally everyone from her mum to his brother to her flatmates had been saying they would get together for years. Each time they blatantly denied it,claiming they were just really good friends. Then one night he walked her home and she kissed him and that was that. But they had mutually agreed that no one could know.

So as Victoria went out to greet Harriet and Nancy who had just arrived home she tried to remain nonchalant. "Hey girls! You're back early!" She greeted them, starting to unload some of the shopping bags they had put on the table.

"We were just going to do shopping, doesn't take us that long" Harriet replied with a suspicious look at Victoria. Victoria meerly shrugged and opened the fridge to put the milk in.

Nancy claimed she needed to pee and scooted off. Victoria prayed Albert would remain silent. Then her worst nightmares were revealed as a banging door sounded and a loud "AHA I KNEW IT!!"

Harriet looked triumphant as the two girls hurried to see what had happened. In Victoria's room the closet was flung wide open and a sheepish Albert stood there. Nancy gave her a smug look.

"We purposefully rushed through the shopping to catch you two in the act! This is like a dream come true I cant believe it!! Haha I'm gonna say it we told you so!" Nancy laughed, Harriet joining in with her giggles. Albert came out from the closet and put his hands in his pockets as Victoria fell on the bed in despair.

"Well I guess I'll be leaving then..." Albert made a break for the door but the girls blocked him off.

Vicbert Fanfic Challenge

Day Nine: singleparent!au

Victoria felt like her arms were going to drop off, being dragged in two different directions by two very persistent beings. She felt the hood of her raincoat slip down as she struggled to keep hold.

"Bertie slow down!" She called to her young son who was straining to run ahead and get out of her grip. He was way too excited for his first day at school in her opinion. Meanwhile, Dash was busy sniffing a plant and pulled in the opposite direction. She gave a firm tug on her dogs lead who finally gave up the sniff and they continued towards the school.

Victoria worried about Bertie as they came up towards the school. What if the teacher didn't like him? What if he made no friends? What if he wasn't clever enough to keep up? The worries that usually plagued a child ran through her mind as she hugged her son goodbye and watched him join the other children inside the classroom. She had promised she wouldn't get misty eyed, so she turned away sharply and almost bowled someone over.

"Oh sorry!" A typical Brit, Victoria was used to apologising constantly. The person she had bumped into was taller that her, which wasn't hard really, so she glanced up to find a surprisingly attractive man looking down at her curiously.

"It's no problem." He had a thick German accent, curly hair and blue eyes. Victoria felt her cheeks heat. "Nice dog" he commented, indicating the spaniel winding around her leg with the leash.

"Oh thank you, this is Dash" she introduced her dog, squatting down to rub Dash's ears. The man joined her and scratched Dash's back. "And I'm Victoria by the way."

"Albert." The man smiled at her. "Is it your kid's first day?"

"Yes, his name's Bertie and he's a troublemaker...I don't think the school will know what hit them! How old is yours?" She asked.

"Oh mine's seven now, her name's Vicky. Is your partner not here to see Bertie off?" Albert wondered.

Victoria flushed. "Oh no he left a long time ago."

Albert meerly smiled in reply. "No need to be ashamed, my wife left me too and I got full custody." Oh he had a lovely smile - why on earth would anyone leave Albert, she wondered. They chatted a bit longer before Victoria realised she had to get to work. She said goodbye, and had a dreamy smile on her face for the rest of the day.

---

"What do you mean someone else is coming for dinner?!" Victoria hissed at her good friend Harriet. "I thought it was going to be you, Ernest and me."

"I've set you up Victoria, don't sound so surprised you knew it was coming" Harriet replied, applying mascara. "It's Ernest's brother - he's a bit quiet but really lovely and quite good looking."

"Sure he is...just like the 20 others!" Victoria exclaimed exasperated, flopping back on her friend's bed. "He's probably as dull as dishwater."

"You just wait and see" Harriet said knowingly, finishing off her makeup with lipstick. "How do I look?"

"Stunning, as always" Victoria promised. "I just wish you would have warned me so I wouldn't be wearing this." She indicated her casual outfit.

"Oh I have just the thing for you!" Harriet squealed, entering her closet. She came out with an admittedly nice blue dress. "Now get changed, he will be here any minute!"

---

Victoria sat at the table dismally as Ernest went to get the door. His brother, and her date, had arrived. She just hoped they would at least have good conversation.

Much to her surprise a familiar face entered. It was Albert from the primary school. "Oh, hello!" She greeted happily as he entered. Ernest and Harriet exchanged surprised looks.

"Oh wow, Victoria isn't it?" Albert replied. "You look, I mean, yeah..." he fumbled with his words. "What are you doing here?"