Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Hello, Yoyo! Running into you is a nice surprise.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Fancy running into you again. It's very nice to see you. I had a lovely time the other night.
Victor (to Yukiko): I did too. I know I already thanked you, but I really did appreciate it. I'm sure my aunt and uncle appreciated it as well. I've been kicked out of the house again.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh well, I'm just taking a break from rehearsing, but I'd love some company if you're looking for something to do. I mean, if you don't have any plans.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm at your beck and call, Ms Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... are we back to being so formal?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh no. I hope not. I was just trying to be funny. Trying and failing, I suppose.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, I know. I was just trying to play along. I'm sorry. So, what's going on at your aunt's house?
Victor (to Yukiko): My aunt and uncle wanted some time to themselves. Mars won't be getting back home until tonight. And Gabe has been at a friend's house all weekend. Hee hee. Either they want some alone time or they're sick of seeing me wander the house looking lost.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, their lose is my gain... Honestly, I was hoping that I'd get to spend some more time with you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Honestly, I was too. How is your composition going?
Yukiko (to Victor): It's coming along painfully slow... I'm having to learn a piece by the composer, Franz Liszt. He has a ridiculously huge range for one person. His hands were gigantic. I'm beginning to wonder why my professor selected it for me.
Victor (to Yukiko): Hee hee. You are a bit on the petite size. Either he or she thinks you can manage it, or he or she hates you. ;-) I suspect the former.
Yukiko (to Victor): I think it may be a little bit of both. Professor Morrison was a bit put-out by my acceptance into the program. Apparently, I got selected over her nephew, but she was involved in the selection so clearly she thought I could do it. Ummm, if you'd like to hear it... I'd love to play it for you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Ah. That would explain it, I suppose. I have a hard time thinking that anyone would hate you. I would like that. Don't be nervous about me judging harshly. I have absolutely no talent for music.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. You're very sweet. So, what kind of things do you like to do besides flirt with me mercilessly? :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): I like helping my dad with the airship. He's ALWAYS tinkering with it, heh, so there's always something to do. I've always liked fencing, and, um, I write a bit. Nothing that's any good, you understand, but I suppose I dabble.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm sure you're just being modest... What do you like to write about?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh, I'm not being modest. Honestly, if I thought it was any good, I'd be bragging. I'm not a bad fencer, for example. Right now it's mostly just memoir kind of stuff. I picked up the habit from my parents. My dad, especially, would keep extensive diaries and notes. Since the times don't synch up between here and Britannia, writing everything down helps you keep track of things when you crossover frequently.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, if you ever want to share, I'd love to read them... I still can't believe that you're practically an airship pirate. I've only ever read about that sort of thing in the newspapers and books. When you get older, do you plan on following in your father's footsteps or do you want to do something else?
Victor (to Yukiko): Probably. Heh. Especially if Seph has anything to say about it. She'd never forgive me if I went off and became respectable. Which is a prospect that terrifies both my parents. I mean, I'm only two years younger than my dad was when he started.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Sounds like you have more of an idea about what you want to do with yourself than you thought, Victor. :-) You miss being in Britannia, don't you?
Victor (to Yukiko): I suppose I do a bit. ... Maybe more than a bit. I feel useless over here. Not that I always feel at home there, either, and not that this side doesn't have its appeal. Heh. I suppose I always assumed I'd take over the family business, but... Heh. Honestly, I'm a bit paranoid about it. Which amuses Seph to NO end.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, when I first came here, I thought that I wanted to stay forever, but I'm beginning to think that I'd like to go back when I'm done with school. But, I'd like to be able to keep the independence that I have here. I don't know if that's possible. My parents are still very traditional in their beliefs. You should do what makes you happy. If you want to run the family business prove to your dad that you're the best person for the job. That's the only way they'll ever respect your decision.
Victor (to Yukiko): You're right. Thank you for listening to me complain. For what it's worth, I have no doubts that you'll do exactly what you want to do with your life. Whether your on this side or in Britannia. And I doubt I'll end up doing anything other than being a pirate. Heh. I was literally doing it before I was born.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. I bet you're very good at it, too. It'll be a shame that you won't be going to school on this side... I guess once your punishment is over, you're going to go back, huh?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I don't know that I could get accepted into a school on this side even if I applied. Unless there's one been lying dormant, I have no discernible artistic ability like you, Mars, Uncle Eddie and Mom. And the barrage of tests you have to take to get into State sound terrifying. I don't know what's going to happen. My parents may decide I'm safer on this side, and want me to stay. Not that I couldn't get back if I wanted, but still...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, do you have your own portal device? I always have to ask Professor Rathbone to crossover when I want to visit my family. I was told that I was a bit too young to get one, plus they're terribly expensive.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Um, not exactly.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's okay, you don't have to tell me if it's a secret. I'm sorry I asked.
Victor (to Yukiko): No. It's fine. It's not really a secret. It's just my parents are a bit paranoid about it, & I'm already in SO much trouble. And it's a bit odd. I wouldn't want you thinking I'm some sort of sideshow attraction.
Yukiko (to Victor): I promise, I would never think that about you. But, I understand. You don't know me very well. If you don't mind, I need to practice... I hope you like it.
A short time later:
Victor (to Yukiko): Wow. That was... WOW. That was *incredible*. I'm very, very impressed.
Yukiko (to Victor): Really, you actually liked it?
Victor (to Yukiko): I did. It was outstanding.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. That piece is a bit of a workout or what I imagine sex is like, if I was Mars I'd go have a cigarette. :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): What? Ha ha ha! Brash... You should definitely always be brash.
Yukiko (to Victor): I don't know if I can help it... For some reason, you seem to bring it out in me.
Victor (to Yukiko): Is that so? Heh. I think I have done my good deed for the year, then.
Yukiko (to Victor): Why do I have a feeling that being around you, Victor, is going to get me in trouble? ... Not that I'm complaining, mind you but I've just never known anyone like you before.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, I am one of a kind. In lots of ways...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh my...
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sorry.
Yukiko (to Victor): For what?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Was that too brash?
Yukiko (to Victor): No, not at all... Never be afraid to do that EVER.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Will do. Um, can I ask you something odd? When Mr. Rathbone takes you home, does he use a stable portal, or does he open a portal for you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, he always takes me through the portal at that old inn. Why do you ask?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Maybe he can't do it with passengers. Um, remember when you said you wouldn't think I was a freak?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes... Do you have a tail? Please tell me, you have a tail.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Sorry. No tail. I can do the same thing Mr. Rathbone can do. Well, almost the same.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, wow... Should you really be telling me about this, Victor?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh... No. I'm not really supposed to say anything. You're right. It just gets kind of old, after a while, you know? Of course, I could be lying, you know. Trying to impress you.
Yukiko (to Victor): If that was the case, you wouldn't have suggested that it was a lie... Will you show me? I mean, can you show me? I've never met anyone that could do it, besides, Mister Rathbone.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Told you I was one of a kind. And, um, I can show you sometime. I'm in SO much trouble right now. But, I'd like to show you. If you want, that is. So... You don't think I should be sold to a circus or something?
Yukiko (to Victor): I would be honored... I promise I won't tell anyone that you told me. And I really don't think you're a freak. I think you're... simply wonderful.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm glad to hear that. Very glad.
Yukiko (to Victor): Can I ask you a question, Victor? Not that I don't appreciate you sharing your secret with me... but, why me? I imagine you don't go around telling everyone or it wouldn't be such a no-no.
Victor (to Yukiko): ... No. I don't. I'm, um, I'm not sure I have a good answer. I guess I thought you might understand what it's like carrying around a secret like that.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, I do understand. Can we go somewhere else? I'd really like to kiss you... a lot & someone is bound to come along wanting to use the rehearsal space.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? I would like that. Let's go find someplace a bit more private.
A couple hours later:
Mouse (to Victor): Victor? Just so you know, It's safe to head back to the house, Mars is home.
Victor (to Mouse): Oh. Um, yes. Of course. I'll see you shortly. (to Yukiko) Damn. I've got to head home. May I see you again? When I'm paroled again, that is.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, that's a shame. Are you sure you have to go right now?
Victor (to Yukiko): I should probably go soon. I want to stay in Aunt Mouse's good graces. But, I don't suppose I have to go RIGHT this second.
Yukiko (to Victor): And yes, please find me when you're free, I'd really like to see you as much as possible, if that's alright with you.
Victor (to Yukiko): That would be very alright with me.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh good. Hold still, your collar & tie is a little askew... It may be a good idea for you to go before I throw myself at you, and that would be very unbecoming of young lady.
Victor (to Yukiko): And you know how much I appreciate proper behavior in a young lady. Until I see you again. Good luck with Liszt.
Yukiko (to Victor): Goodbye, Victor... Until next time.
A short time later:
Victor (to Mouse): Aunt Mouse? I'm back. (to Marlena) How was New York?
Mouse (to Victor): Hi there, stranger! Thanks for giving me & Eep some space.
Marlena (to Victor): It was fantastic! I am so tired, though. How did solo time here go?
Victor (to Mouse): It wasn't a bother at all. Thank you for letting me go exploring. (to Marlena) I'm glad you had a good time. I had quite an adventure. Hee hee. I wandered into a dance club by mistake.
Mouse (to Victor): No worries.
Marlena (to Victor): Oh really? I bet that was a bit of a culture shock to say the least.
Victor (to Marlena): Heh. Indeed. I think the bouncer thought I was a server. What was it called? Fruits, I think?
Marlena (to Victor): Oh god! Yoyo has dragged me there on several occasions.
Victor (to Marlena): Fortunately, I ran into Yoyo, and she rescued me. Goodness knows what would have become of me otherwise.
Marlena (to Victor): Wow... That was quite a coincidence. :-)
Victor (to Marlena): Don't make that face. It was completely a coincidence.
Mouse (to Marlena & Victor): Well, I'm glad that you're both back in one piece... I'll let you guys catch up.
Marlena (to Mouse): Thanks, mom. (to Victor) I'm just teasing.
Victor (to Mouse): As am I. Thank you, ma'am. (to Marlena) Heh. Yes. I'm sure hearing about me getting my ass smacked by strangers is FAR more interesting than New York.
