Amanda, Stefan - Something Rotten In The State Of Berlin

[xp_daytripper]

Berlin, lunchtime local time: Amanda is expecting to have lunch with her brothers. It doesn't quite work out that way.



Amanda liked Berlin. It had a restrained, almost stoic feel to its energy that reminded her of Kurt. And after several days here speaking nothing but German she was beginning to get back to the fluency she'd developed living with the caravan back last spring. Not to mention pouring over document after document about feeding programs in Nigeria written in dry, formal terms. The cool breeze teased her hair out of the ponytail she'd tied it into as she skipped down the steps of the library, blowing it into her face. Impatiently she pushed it back, looking around for her brothers. Or for Stefan, at least - Kurt would be wearing an inducer and she didn't know which face he would have picked.

The ten minute wait outside of the library hadn't bothered Stefan at all. He had been enjoying the good weather while keeping watch for Amanda and just taking the time to relax. It was a nice change from home where something was always happening. Glancing around, he frowned just a bit. He still hadn't spotted her and…

Stefan turned his head quickly and stared. "Amanda?" he said, blinking, staring at the change in hair color.

She grinned at him. "Large as life." Then she realised why the staring - she'd forgotten he hadn't seen her like this before - and blushed a little. "Went back to the natural back last year - d'you like it?"

Reaching out, he fingered a strand and smiled. "I do, it suits you and it makes me realize how much you look like Jimiane." Stefan paused and continued straight-faced. "Only shorter."

She poked her tongue out at him and punched him playfully on the arm before stepping in and hugging him tightly. "'S been ages," she said, muffled by his jacket. "Too bloody long."

"Yes, it certainly has," he replied, returning the hug just as tightly. "You seem more at peace now, happier. Good, I've been worried… as my infrequent letters have probably indicated."

It was getting hard to breathe, but Amanda didn't really care about that right now. "I'm doing good," she said, looking up at him when he finally loosened his hold - Stefan reminded her of a big, blonde bear, right down to the hugs. "Enjoying work and the rest of it. Sorting myself out." She smiled at him. "And how about you? How's everyone? Meggan? Jimi?" She paused a little. "Margali?"

"Jimi is…" Stefan rolled his eyes a little. "A teenager, very much a teenager. Meggan is doing very well, actually." He refrained from telling Amanda how much Meggan missed her, it would only hurt too much all things considered. "And mother? Well, she's getting on in age and seems to have taken a turn for the cranky. You provided me with a much needed excuse to run away."

"Sounds like Kurt turned up at a good time," Amanda said with a grin. "You alone among the female hormones." She glanced around. "Where is he, any way? Didn't he come with you?"

Now that got a curious look. "Amanda, I have not seen Kurt in... I'm not sure when the last time he was home. Why?" Stefan paused. "Was this supposed to be a surprise visit? I know mother didn't mention he was going to be home but it would be nice to see him again."

Amanda blinked. "But, he sent a note, said he was with Margali..." she began, confused. "He's had a rough time of it lately and just up and went, but when I got that note, I figured he'd gone back to the circus with you lot, taking a sort of breather, you know?"

Stefan's frowned, looking worried. "We haven't received any word from him since his normal letter and that was a while ago," he said slowly, working things over in his mind. "When did you receive the note?"

"Last week..." Amanda bit her lip. "Stefan, what's going on? Kurt's... well, he's Kurt. He's Responsible Bloke. He just doesn't up and disappear and lie about where he is!"

Reaching up, he placed both hands on her shoulders. "I know," he soothed as old worries that he wouldn't voice lingered in his eyes. "I'm suddenly very worried as well but we will figure this out. I will contact mother, she can do some searching; can you and your friends do anything on your end?"

Amanda closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Panic wouldn't help here. Thinking would. "Maybe something came up," she said. "Something to do with the team?" She frowned. "And even if not, I should talk to them, see if there's anything they can suggest..."

"It's a start, little sister, and a good one at that. If anyone can find Kurt, it will be either our mother or your friends in the States." Stefan brought her in close for another hug, not letting her see him worry. He was the big brother, after all, and he had to take care of her as much as he could. "Let's see if we can find our wayward acrobat and give him a sound lecture for worrying all of us so."

She clung to him, leaning on him whilst she got control of herself. Think of it like a job, like any of the others. That's what Pete or Remy would do. "I'll have to head back, tonight if I can. If something has happened, I'll want to be there, to help. Location spell, that sort of thing." And this time she'd make it work. The potential was there, she just had to find the right combination. "I'll have to pull out of this contract a bit early, but Nate'll understand. And I've got most of what's available." If her tone was a little businesslike, it was because she was forcing it to be. She gave Stefan a faint smile. "So much for the reunion."

He touched her cheek briefly. "We will just have to plan for a reunion later, when we find Kurt," Stefan promised her. "It's been too long since we were able to sit down and be with each other. I'll make sure we have that chance soon. But now I'll go back and start mother looking for him. You'll stay in touch, though? And look after yourself?"

"I will if you will." Stretching up on tiptoe she kissed his cheek. "Take care, big brother. I'll call you the second I know anything."

Reluctently, Stefan let her go but didn't move until Amanda disappeared from sight. Turning on his heel, hands clenched his pocket, he moved swiftly the way he had come earlier.

There'd been a time where he'd lost her and hadn't been able to do anything about it. Stefan was damned if he'd let the same thing happen to Kurt.