Persephone (to Victor): I haven't been avoiding you... I've been busy... with stuff.
Victor (to Persephone): Oh? What stuff? You look terrible, and don't tell me you haven't been avoiding me. I know you too well to believe that.
Persephone (to Victor): Ummm, you know... stuff... okay, okay, you win. I haven't been sleeping very well & I didn't want to talk about it.
Victor (to Persephone): It's because of what I told you about Achilles Smith, isn't it? I'm sorry, Seph! If I had known that it would have bothered you that much, I never would have told you.
Persephone (to Victor): It's okay... Really. I think learning about this on top of finding out about the timeline where my parents were dead has just made my brain go into bad dream overdrive. I'll be fine.
Victor (to Persephone): Damn it. I should have thought about that... I'm sorry. I forget all this "alternative timeline" stuff can be kind of... Uh... Well, insane, I suppose. I really am very sorry.
Persephone (to Victor): I know you are. And, it's not your fault. I should have known that eventually my nosiness was going to uncover something I didn't want to know about... It probably serves me right.
Victor (to Persephone): So, stop stewing and talk to me. If anyone understands how nuts all this stuff can make you feel it's me.
Persephone (to Victor): I know you do, but I'm not even sure what it is about all of this stuff that bothers me the most... The fact that it happened or the fact that no one bothered to tell me about it.
Victor (to Persephone): I think part of the problem is our parents live in constant fear because we are WAY too much like them for their tastes. I mean, I get a lot of it now. They wanted to give us better lives than they had. Heh. I'll bet they thought that would keep us out of trouble.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh... I bet they were more concerned about you & didn't know I'd be the one that talks you into stuff. :-P
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. What else are best friends for? Hey. Do you want to take a trip off world? I'll bet I can even get our folks to agree.
Persephone (to Victor): Really? That would be absolutely moo! Wow... You must feel really bad. Come here, you big silly... I'll be fine. Really.
Victor (to Persephone): I know you'll be fine. You're tougher than I am. Come on. Let's go talk to the folks. We can go visit my Aunt Mouse. If Mr. Smith really is snooping around, they'll probably be happy to have us out of the way.
Persephone (to Victor): This is so exciting... So, have you seen my counterpart over there? I've got to have one, right?
Victor (to Persephone): Oh. Uh, no. I've never her. Or him. Most people do have a counterpart, but they're not always similar, you know. I've met my uncle's counterpart, and he's kind of a jerk. I mean, my uncle pretends to be grumpy, but he's not a jerk.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh, well that's a little disappointing... I kinda wanted to see what my counterpart was like.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you. Maybe it's for the best I've never met your counterpart. I mean, can you imagine TWO of you? Ooo. OK, looks like all the parents are in the same place. I'll go talk to them, Be back in a few.
Persephone (to Victor): Okay... Good luck!
A short time later:
Victor (to Persephone): So, who wants to go visit my aunt and uncle? The answer had better be you, by the way.
Persephone (to Victor): Really? They said yes? That's wonderful! When do we go? What do I need to know? Do I need to wear something different? I think this may be the first time I've crossed over... I mean, with actual permission. This is so exciting!
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Yes, MUCH more exciting than ANY of the other times we've done it. You know what to wear.
Persephone (to Victor): Hush you! You certainly know how to suck all the fun out of something. Are you sure you're related to me?
Victor (to Persephone): Yes. No one else would put up with you. Or me for that matter. Let me know when you're ready.
Persephone (to Victor): Ummm, thanks, Victor... I know I don't say it very often, but I'm glad you're my best friend... I'm ready to go.
Victor (to Persephone): Oh. Right. I am too. Hey, are you sure you're feeling up to snuff?
Persephone (to Victor): Well, I'm not feeling 100% but I think a good ole fashioned distraction is just what I need at the moment. Besides, I've only met your aunt & uncle a couple times & I've never met your cousins, so this'll be fun.
Victor (to Persephone): Well, alright! Hang on, and remember to keep your mind blank.
Persephone (to Victor): Okay...
