A/N: The last chapter was short, and this will be too, so I'm going to try to make this chapter presentable and get it posted before I put it off. Thank you so much, MustachioedMalignant, for your interesting, kind, and motivating comment (My very first for this fic!). To answer some questions, this is AU after Goliath, so the end is irrelevant aside from what you've probably guessed about their current professions (*trying not to give away spoilers*). Deryn may be doing some flirting, whether it's intentional or not will be determined at a later date.

Disclaimer: I am not Scott Westerfeld, nor will I ever be.

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"Are you excited to see Alek, my little Ado? It has been quite a long while since you two have seen each other."

"Mother, do not call me Ado. I know you mean well, but I am twenty-three years old and need to grow out of that nickname at some point."

"Of course, son. But do remember that you are always my little Ado, even if you may find yourself craving the attention of a beautiful young lady and preferring your given name. Speaking of which, if you live under my roof, there are rules. For one, try to have a little more fun. For another, try to find a girl that you can share your life with. Lastly—"

"Er, mother?"

"Yes, dear?"
"You're staying in my house, right now."

"Must you ignore the point I was making?"

"I apologize."

"Hahaha, you're most certainly forgiven, my dear Adolf. Now go make your home presentable. Alek and his friend are coming here for dinner tomorrow evening."

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A/N: I hope no one takes any offense to this. I'm writing this because there was a topic on the Westerblog ("Will Adolf Hitler Ever Show Up in the Levithan Series?"), and it seemed like a topic I could write for fanfic. Yes, Hitler is actually older than this. Yes, he's going to be nice (for now) in this. And no, this is not meant to be taken seriously. Please keep reading, it makes more sense later on! Review!