The sky was still cloudless the next morning when Frankie finished charging. It was a beautiful day! It looked rather warm out, but Frankie knew that as soon as she stepped outside the cold would swallow her without the proper winter attire on. There was no snow on the ground much to Frankie's disappointment yet to your relief.
You were due to arrive any minute, seeing as you were always at least five minutes early to wherever you needed to be. Frankie was showered and dressed in a long sleeve shirt with a longer cardigan over top, some warm leggings, and a pair of platform boots that tshe had deemed 'Christmas-y'.
Of course, Viveka gave Frankie a hand knitted hat, scarf, and mitten set just in case. Frankie took it without much hesitation, not wanting to get in trouble for 'rebellion' or 'defiance' right before what could be a potential date. But seriously, she was going to be inside baking cookies. Was all of this really necessary?
Viveka: Of course this is all necessary. What if his car breaks down? I will not be responsible for you freezing to death if you have to walk to his house.
Viktor: Call us if anything like that happens. We'll come pick you up on the side of the road if we have to.
Frankie: Thanks... but his car isn't going to break down. He got it from Dracula.
Frankie sounded slightly strangled as she pulled on the scarf with thick, mittened hands, loosening the yarn slightly.
Viveka: And you're sure his uncle is going to be home? Boys can be....
Viktor: Sneaky...Deceptive..
Frankie stared at them.
Frankie: Yesterday you guys were concerned that he was going to be too religious and pure and now you're worried about him, what? Killing me?
Viktor: He is a Van Helsing.
Frankie: Y/N is a good guy. Besides, he's saved me and my friends a bunch of times before. What's the worse that can happen?
Viktor raised an eyebrow, giving Frankie a look.
Viktor: Do you really want me to answer that?
Frankie wanted to leave....and fast.
She could hear a car pull up to their house and a car door shut. She quickly grabbed the door knob, ready to dip out of this conversation.
Frankie: That's Y/N. I'll be back by 8?
Viktor: Before dinner.
Viveka rolled her eyes.
Viveka: If you're invited to stay for dinner, you can stay till after. Just...be safe.
Frankie: Thanks, I'll see you both later.
Frankie quickly dipped outside, catching you on your way up the walkway. Yku looked slightly shocked as you hadn't even knocked yet and here she was coming out to your car. Your cheeks were flushed due to the cold air, and you were just about as bundled up as she was. It made Frankie giggle slightly.
Frankie: Good morning, Y/N.
She pointed back at their house slightly with their mittened thumb.
Frankie: I heard the car so I decided to come out. I hope that's ok.
Y/N: That's fine. Of course. You just caught me off guard.
(Offical Helsing Art Done By Necessary_Chaos)
Frankie let out a low whistle when she saw your new wheels. She wondered what it looked like when you told her about it the night before.
The drive from Frankie's house to yours wasn't long. Maybe about five minutes. You briefly complained about how the roads would get when it snows. You said it would be impossible to make it up the Stein's ridiculously curvy, steep driveway when it's covered in ice which made Frankie frown slightly. Now she was also slightly upset with the idea of snow before even seeing it for their first time.
You parked in the garage, closing the door behind you with a click of a button. You shut off the engine then started to get out of the car with Frankie not far behind you.
Heading inside, you started shrugging your coat off before hanging it in the mud room. Frankie closed the door behind her. Stepping out of her platforms as she usually did when she arrived in the Dracula household.
Y/N: We're back.
You began to take off the extra layers you didn't need a dFrankie did the same, unwrapping her scarf and pulling off her mittens, trying not to get the yarn caught in any of her stitches.
Helsing: Great! I've already got a batch of dough mixed up and ready to be rolled and cut.
Y/N: You started without us? I was gone for like ten minutes....
You rounded the corner, heading for your room but stopped in the kitchen to see your uncle hard at work.
Helsing: I thought Frankie's family might want some. So we are making two batches.
(Offcial Helsing Art also by Necessary_Chaos)
He smiled.
Helsing: Frankie. Would your parents eat gingerbread cookies?
Frankie: Uhm....they don't..eat..
Y/N: They don't eat. They don't need calories for energy. They charge.
Helsing: I'm aware. I taught you that, remember? They can still enjoy the flavor. We'll make a double batch anyway. They're fun to decorate.
He waved his hand.
Helsing: Go put your hats away and get started on the dough.
He stopped when he saw that you weren't wearing one. His eyes narrowed.
Helsing: So, we're at the rebellious phase, are we?
You just sighed. He was totally going to do this all day, wasn't he?
The answer was yes. And he had a reason beyond just embarrassing you. Well, he still will be doing it to embarrass you, but to also help you get your game going. If a man can fight through embarrassment, he can do anything!
You just continued leading the way through the house, opening your bedroom door. You set your keys on the nightstand, putting your scarf and gloves next to them, while Frankie tossed hers onto the end of your bed. You both quickly hurried back.
You washed your hands in the sink, Frankie rolling up her sleeves and doing the same shortly after, being careful not to spark while her hands were in the water. She followed you to the other side of the bar, watching curiously as you divided the dough, taking a decent sized portion out and flopping it onto the floured countertop.
Frankie: So, what exactly are we doing?
Y/N: I'll help you. It's easy.
Frankie observed as you rolled out the dough.
Y/N: All you have to do is roll it out flat.. about this thickness.
You then began to look around.
Y/N: Wait. Where are the cookie cutters?
Helsing looked to Frankie, nodding once in her direction.
Helsing: In the bin by the sink.
Frankie nodded slightly back before fetching the bin by the sink.
Y/N: Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat. Like Helsing said, they're fun to decorate.
Frankie: Do they all have to be men?
She pulled a cookie cutter out of the box and examining it.
Y/N: Definitely not. Some of them can be...gingerbread...dogs.
You reached into the box and pulled out a dog shaped cutter.
Y/N: But, you can pretty much decorate them to be whatever. So I guess you could make Gingerbread Monsters too.
Frankie smiled.
Frankie: Here's a gingerbread with pigtails. We could make one that look like Draculaura!
Helsing smiled.
Helsing: You should do a few of your friends. We can take pictures to send to them, let them know that you are doing ok here for winter break.
Frankie quickly agreed before you started showing her how the cookie cutters worked.
Y/N: So, you just line it up, and press down. Just make sure you are using the right side of the cookie cutter! Even if they aren't sharp, they can still hurt a little bit if you press down with the sharper end to your hand.
Frankie: Seems simple enough.
She started pressing shapes into the dough while you rolled out more dough.
Y/N: I am absolutely certain we have way too much dough.
Helsing started to clean the mixer, taking a small break to reply to you.
Helsing: Why not you two cut out some shapes for a gingerbread house or two? You can have a competition with each other. Best gingerbread house builder gets to choose the kind of cookie we make next?
You and Frankie both looked at each other and smiled.
Y/N/Frankie: Deal.
------------
Within the next few minutes, the cookies were done baking and the gingerbread house pieces were in the oven. You acquired all of the sprinkles and store-bought frosting and placed it all on the dining room table where Frankie was already sitting. You sat next to her before starting on frosting your own gingerbread character.
Frankie followed your lead, looking over at your cookie for the slightest bit of guidance along the way.
Frankie: So, is your uncle living here too now?
You smiled.
Y/N: Yeah. It's a bit weird, we've never really lived in one place like this. And I think Draculaura likes having more people around instead of just her dad.
Frankie: What does Dracula think?
You didn't say, but you did recall finding your uncle and Dracula talking one night. Something about how nice it was having a full house. You weren't supposed to hear her, so you just shrugged.
Y/N: I think he doesn't mind.
Frankie: I guess he wouldn't. He did invite you himself and I'm pretty sure he couldn't say no to Elissabat or your uncle. Especially given their history.
You both went back to frosting before slowly stopping. You looked at each other, both having the same thought. The same question that you were honestly too scared to ask.
Frankie: Hey....
Y/N: I honestly.....I honestly don't know.
Frankie: But they have that chemistry.
Y/N: I've seen it. I see it almost every time they talk.
Frankie: Would that cause a stir?
Y/N: I wouldn't think so. But, you saw how everyone reacted when I was making that documentary.
Frankie: But that wasn't a romantic relationship.
Y/N: I don't even know if it was romantic. But.....
Frankie: Were your uncle and Dracula lovers?!
Helsing: You're asking dangerous questions, children.
You both flinched and slowly turned around to find your uncle standing there with his arms crossed. His eyes had a sharpen glare which sent a horrible chill down Frankie's spine. This was the infamous Vincent Van Helsing. The Monster Hunter feared by both man and monster.
Helsing: So, what are you asking, children?
Neither of you spoke. You just sat there before slowly turning back to decorate your gingerbread folk with shaky hands. Your uncle walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of homemade eggnog. He poured himself a glass before taking a sip.
Helsing: We were young. It happens.
He then left the room. You and Frankie watched him until he vanished from view. You then looked at each other with wide eyes. You then looked back to the eggnog.
Y/N: You want some?
Frankie: I don't think I ever had eggnog before. But I'm willing to try some.
You nodded and got to work with pouring two glasses.
-------------------
Frankie: Do you feel funny?
Y/N: I'm always funny.
You both were now trying to focus on decorating your gingerbread houses, unaware that it had began to snow outside. Frankie's vision was a now kind of wavy and her body felt warm. She actually had a bit of trouble in taking another drink of her third glass of eggnog.
Frankie: You are pretty funny. But not in the way you think.
You leaned forward, now resting your arms on the table with your head getting closer to the wood.
Y/N: What do you mean? Explain.
Frankie: Well, like, you're a goofball.
You gasped.
Y/N: I am not. I'm...I'm very cool.
Frankie giggled, now feeling really funny. She leaned closer to you and just stared into your eyes without saying anything. You stared right back at her. She narrowed her eyes before smiling again.
Y/N: What?
Frankie: What?
Y/N: You're staring at me.
Frankie: So?
Y/N: Why?
Frankie: I dunno. Why are you staring at me?
Y/N: Because you're staring at me.
Frankie: So it's not because I'm pretty?
Y/N: While you are very pretty, that's not why.
Frankie: So if I keep staring you'll stare back?
Y/N: Probably.
Frankie: Good.
You both stared at each other in silence.
Frankie: You said I'm pretty.
Y/N: Yes I did.
Frankie: Do you really mean it?
Y/N: Absolutely.
Frankie: Am I more pretty than....than....
She flinched before placing one hand over her right eye, opening her fingers enough to show her blue eye. You thought about it before you understood.
Y/N: Operetta?
Frankie moved her hand to instead point at you.
Frankie: Yesh. Operetta. Am I prettier?
Y/N: Than Operetta?
Frankie: Yes.
Y/N: Well, that's hard to answer.
Frankie: Why?
Y/N: Because you're both pretty in your own way.
Frankie: You know what? That's fair.
Y/N: But you're very pretty.
Frankie: Thanks. You're pretty too. Pretty goofy.
She started to laugh while you groaned. You dropped your head on the table before you noticed the snow outside. You lifted your head and narrowed your eyes, trying to focus on the window.
Helsing: It looks like the snow is getting pretty bad out there.
Your uncle entered the room but stopped when he saw the two of you at the table. The houses, though looked fine to you, were messy and hastily put together. You kept eye contact the entire time you lifted a cookie covered in green and yellow frosting, which looks like you just dunked it into the cup, and ate it.
Helsing looked over to the counter to see the homemade eggnog half empty. He then looked outside to see that the blizzard had begun to pick up even worse. He groaned as he covered his face with his hand.
Helsing: I'm a horrible guardian.
Frankie's phone started to ring which caused her to sit up. She pulled her phone out to see that it was her mother. She immediately answered it before Helsing could gather what had happened.
Frankie: Hey, mom!
Viveka: Well, nice to hear from you too. The snow is starting to get bad.
Frankie looked over to the window.
Frankie: Oh wow. Snow. It's snow!
Viveka: Yes, dear. Is Helsing there?
Frankie looked at you, then at your uncle.
Frankie: Which one?
Viveka: The older one.
Frankie stared at your uncle before slowly holding her phone out. She giggled when he took it and looked at the Caller ID. He sighed and put the phone to his ear.
Helsing: Hello, Mrs. Stein. This is Vincent Van Helsing speaking.
Viveka: Good to know my daughter wasn't lying about an adult being there. Have you noticed the snow got worse.
Hesling: Unfortunately I had dozed off when the storm began. The kids were busy with their cookies to notice.
Silence rang on the other line. Helsing stood there awkwardly.
Viveka: You were asleep?
She didn't sound pleased.
Hesling: On the couch in the next room.
Viveka: I'm told you're the best of the best.
Helsing: Only better than most, ma'am.
Viveka: It's too dangerous for anyone to be driving right now. So, I will trust you to take care of my daughter.
Helsing wagered his options. It would be pretty reckless to try and get her home, especially if she had drank the eggnog he and Dracula made. He would be okay if it was be himself or with with you, but he wouldn't put Frankie in such danger.
Helsing: We have the space.
Viveka: Good. Is she having fun?
Your uncle looked to to watched as Frankie reached over and booped your nose. She giggled while you just smirked.
Helsing: She's having a blast.
Viveka: Good. Well, take care of my daughter. Keep her out of trouble.
Helsing: You have my word.
The call ended and your uncle handed the phone back to Frankie. She took it and slipped it back into her pocket.
Helsing: Looks like you'll be staying here until the roads are clear. No more eggnog.
Y/N: Boooo!
Frankie: Super boooooooo!
Your uncle just stared off into the distance. This is why he never wanted children.
----------------
Frankie and you danced around the living room as Christmas music played. Helsing hid the eggnog and left you to your own devices which was currently singing along. Frankie tried to do the same, but she had never heard this song and she was more just mumbling loudly along.
Frankie: Christmas is Bolt-tastic!
Y/N: Just wait until it's actually Christmas.
Frankie just pulled you closer and started to dance with you. You just laughed and went along with her antics. You had no idea what was in the eggnog, hut you didn't hate it. Besides, this was so much fun!
You both sat on the couch together after having your fill of dance. Frankie leaned against you and hugged your arm while you allowed your head to rest ontop of hers.
Frankie: This is fun.
Y/N: Yeah. It really is.
Frankie smiled as she tried to get even closer. She had a kind of courage she didn't have before. Something that pushed her to her desire.
Frankie: Hey, why don't we hang out anymore?
You looked down at her confused. What was she talking about? You guys hung out....well, when you could hang out.
Frankie: The last time the two of us did something was when we went to the Lady Gaga concert. That was fun. I wish we could do more stuff like that.
The concert. When you just let loose and enjoyed the night. But, that was only after you had dealt with a huge issue. Have you done anything with her since? Just the two of you? You couldn't actual remember.
Y/N: Sorry.
Frankie: Nah. You're a busy guy. I get it.
Y/N: Still. I should try harder.
Frankie: You try enough. It just makes our time together even better.
She looked up at you and started to stare at you again. You looked down and stared into her eyes. One green, one blue. It was funny, when you thought about it. You had been human until recently. The only people your age that were in your life were all monsters. And yet, you found many of them to be utterly beautiful.
Frankie hasn't been alive for as long as most monsters. She wasn't hundreds of years old like Draculaura or 16 like Clawdeen. She was just created and thrown into the world to learn what she will. But, you were someone she had known the longest. Someone she saw true bravery and kindness in.
You've been through so much lately. You didn't know your true past and you had many questions about who you really were.
She had seen so much lately. She knew who she was but had questions about the world and how it really was. But, she didn't feel that fear when she was with you.
Your eyes grew wide when you felt her lips against yours.
Her eyes closed before she even leaned up.
Her lips were soft.
Yours were rough.
Hers were warm.
Yours were ice cold.
You pulled her closer.
She moved closer.
This felt right.
She knew it was wrong.
Neither of you cared.
You found your back against the armrest of the couch while Frankie turned to better face you. Her hands rested on your chest while yours found their way to her hips. She was a surprisingly good kisser for someone whose never experienced it before. She was actually proud of herself.
Once she pulled away, you were both once again staring at each other. Neither of you spoke. You just stared. You knew this would definitely change things between the two of you. You hated not being able to make your mind up between Operetta and Elissabat, and now Frankie was a part of that equation. Frankie, on the other hand, felt bad for adding herself to the equation.
But you kissed her again. And she didn't fight it. Who cared if this complicated things?
You were young. It happens.