Back in the Future, Day 5

At Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Oof... Oh, hi there, honey. I didn't expect anyone to be up and about, right now... Um, this isn't what it looks like.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): What the fuck... How is that not what it looks like?! Are you bleeding?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Yes, maybe just a smidge. I got into a bit of a scuffle. Could you please grab the first aid kit from under the sink?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): A bit of scuffle?! Yeah! I'd say so. Do you need to go to the hospital? Should we call the cops or something?

Victor (to Poppy & Nathaniel): What the hell is going on out here!? Is everything... Oh. (to Poppy) Hey, Mom. Are you alright? Do you need a hand?

Nathaniel (to Victor): How the hell are you so calm? Your mom just got fucking stabbed!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Because she'll be fine. Here. I'll do that. Sit down. You look a little green. 

Poppy (to Victor): Yes, honey. It's not too bad. Could you please help your cousin find the first aid kit? He seems to be having some trouble. 

Victor (to Poppy): Got it. Where are you hurt? Do you need stitches?

Poppy (to Victor): It's my damn upper arm, again. It should only need a couple stitches. And there goes my favorite shirt. That will teach me to go to a meeting with the Drakes without backup. Apparently, they still hold a grudge and, recognized me. It was a rookie mistake. (to Nathaniel) Honey, feel free to go into another room, if you're going to be ill. I won't take offense.

Victor (to Poppy): Mom! What are you always hammering into my head about backup? Or is this a case of "do what I say, not what I do"? :-P

Poppy (to Victor): I know, I know, honey, but it was supposed to be a simple retrieval job, nothing special. I fully admit to being a tad cocky. I was told it would take all of an hour. I didn't know it was a Drake until I was there & he tried to stab me. I'm never going to hear the end of this from your father. He gets too much pleasure out of me making mistakes sometimes.

Victor (to Poppy): Heh heh. That's because it's usually him that ends up bloody. Your shirt is ruined but your arm doesn't look too bad. You'll only need about a dozen stitches. Do you want me to do it, or can you wait for a doctor?

Poppy (to Victor): Honestly, honey, I'd prefer you to do it, but I'm not sure your cousin can handle much more of this. I'll take care of it. It's just a hop, skip & a jump to the hospital... (to Nathaniel) How you holding up, champ?

Nathaniel (to Poppy & Victor): What... What the fuck is going on? Are you people mobsters or something?

Victor (to Nathaniel): What? No! Don't be ridiculous. We're not... Oh. Well, maybe we are. Sort of. But, not really.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): No, not even in the slightest, honey. The easiest explanation is that I sort of work for the British government.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): How do you "sort of" work for the British government? That doesn't make any sense.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, it's a bit complicated, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy, Victor & Nathaniel): What in the name of Zod is going on in here? You're going to wake half the neighborhood.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh bugger. Good morning, lover. Sorry for the uproar. It's nothing to worry your gorgeous head about.

Victor (to Vincent): Mom got hurt at work, Nate's freaking out a little bit, and you wandering in without a shirt & a sword isn't helping, Dad!

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, I'm completely fine with your father wandering around without a shirt on, but the sword is a bit much.

Vincent (to Victor): Oh good heavens! I was practicing.

Nathaniel (to Poppy, Victor & Vincent): You people are all nuts! I know insane, and this is it. I... Shit. I had a break again, didn't I? OK. OK. OK... This is not happening...

Vincent (to Poppy, Nathaniel & Victor): OK, everyone calm down. (to Poppy) Lover, let me take you to the doctor. I think we may have to see Dr. Thorne. If I keep bringing you to Dr. Addison all banged up, she's going to think I'm a brute. Hee hee. Or more likely, you're beating up me, and I finally snapped and retaliated. :-P (to Nathaniel) Deep breaths, kiddo. You're fine. (to Victor) Victor, see what you can do for Nate.

Victor (to Vincent): Yes, sir. (to Nathaniel) Come on. I'll get you some tea or coffee or something.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, you are brute, lover. I can't even say that with a straight face. I can get myself to Dr. Thorne just fine. I'm a bit worried about your nephew. He was institutionalized before and I'm beginning to suspect I know why.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I have always been more of a lover than a fighter, hun. :-p What are you thinking?

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not sure just yet, lover, but his paperwork talked about breaks from reality, fantasy world... Sound familiar?

Vincent (to Poppy): Oooo. More than a little bit. Poor kid. Alright, lover. You get yourself to the doctor and get patched up, and I'll see what I can do for the kids.

Poppy (to Vincent): Be back in a jiffy, honey.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen:

Persephone (to Victor & Nathaniel): What's with all the ruckus? Are we being attacked?

Victor (to Persephone): Not today. Mom came home from work a little bit hurt and, uh... I think we broke Nate. He freaked out earlier, and he hasn't said a word in the past ten minutes.

Nathaniel (to Victor & Persephone): I am NOT broken! I'm not engaging and I'm waiting for this to pass. I should've known this was all bullshit.

Persephone (to Nathaniel): What on earth are you talking about? This is completely normal... for us.

Victor (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Are you kidding? This is a slow day. Oops, (to Persephone) I'm not sure we're helping, Seph.

Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oops. Nate, you're not going crazy. Honest.

Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. I know. I've already arrived at crazy. Thanks though.

Vincent (to Persephone & Victor): OK, you two. Clear off. Let me talk to Nate in private please. (to Persephone) And no eavesdropping, Persephone. (to Victor) And Victor, hand over whatever it is you lifted off your cousin. What have I told you about that?

Persephone (to Vincent): Yes, sir. (to Victor) This is so unfair.

Victor (to Vincent): But, I just... I thought if he was freaking out, he shouldn't have anything on him that might be harmful...

Vincent (to Victor): Victor. Hand it over and apologize.

Victor (to Vincent): Yes, sir. (to Nathaniel) Sorry. (to Persephone) Come on, we'll head to my room.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): These are yours, I believe.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): How the fuck did he get... It doesn't matter. It's not like they're working anyway. I thought I was done with this shit.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): You're not crazy, kiddo. And you're not cracking up, or having breaks from reality, or any of that other garbage. You've got what appears to be a family condition.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. So we're all fucking nuts. Great.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. Nothing quite so simple. I promise, no matter how bizarre what I'm about to tell you sounds, it's all true.

In Victor's bedroom:

Victor (to Persephone): Can you hear anything?

Persephone (to Victor): Shhhh. Your dad is trying to explain that Nate's not nuts, something about a family condition. If you'd stop hovering and breathing in my ear so loudly, I probably could hear a bit better.

Victor (to Persephone): Oh alright, alright! Man, the way he was acting, you'd think mom came home half blood-soaked and carrying a body.

Persephone (to Victor): Heehee. That was probably last month. :-P

Victor (to Persephone): Firstly, usually, it's Dad. Secondly, they've never brought home a BODY. Hostages once or twice, yes, but no dead people. Yikes. That sounds kind of bad when you say it out loud. No wonder Mr. Angst was freaking out.

Persephone (to Victor): I know. I was just teasing. Sheesh. Why don't you go see your girlfriend or something? I'll stay here & spy.

Victor (to Persephone): FINE. I'll get out of your hair. I should probably tell her that Mom's in no shape to spar today, anyway.

Persephone (to Victor): Well, if she wants to spar, I could use the practice. Don't look at me like that. I promise I won't get cranky if she wins.

Victor (to Persephone): You say that now. Alright. Let me see if she's up for it. (to Yukiko) Hi, Yoyo. What time were you supposed to meet my mom today?

Yukiko (to Victor): Hey, Victor! After my afternoon class, so like around 2 or so. Why? What's up?

Victor (to Yukiko): Mom hurt her arm at work today, so she's not going to be able to spar. Uh, Seph wanted to know if you wanted to practice with her instead. She promised not to be a sore loser. You don't have to! You can totes say no.

Yukiko (to Victor): I could just do my normal form practice, but practical application is much better. And, I've never sparred with her. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to do it, once. Unless, you think I shouldn't.

Victor (to Yukiko): It'll be fine. Seph will be thrilled, that's for sure. She's been more than a little pouty since we've been stuck on this side, and she's had no chance to practice.

Yukiko (to Victor): We certainly don't want her to pout. Let her know, I'll be over at 2pm. I gotta run to class.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. OK. I will. Thanks. I'll see you then. (to Persephone) Yoyo said she'll be over at around 2 to spar. Learn anything else interesting?

Persephone (to Victor): No, I think they moved too far away. It just sounds like mumbling. Grunt!

Victor (to Persephone): Damn. Who knows, maybe he'll warm up to us, we'll all become best friends and then he'll tell us what happened.

Persephone (to Victor): Uh huh... You keep thinking that.

Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. Then the Empress of Britannia will knight the lot of us, and we can all live in a fancy castle on a moor. :-P

Vincent (to Persephone & Victor): I'm sorry to interrupt your attempts to spy on us, kids, but I need your help for minute.

Victor (to Vincent): Oh. Sure, Dad.

Persephone (to Vincent): Heehee, of course. What do you need, uncle?

In the living room:

Vincent (to Persephone): Can you tell Nate where you're from, hun? Where you're REALLY from.

Persephone (to Vincent): Oh, sure. (to Nathaniel) I'm from New London in the empire of Britannia. My parents own an inn just outside the Tombs.

Nathaniel (to Persephone): You're fucking with me.

Persephone (to Nathaniel): I am not. It's completely true.

Viincent (to Nathaniel): She's not, Nate. (to Victor) Can you tell if Nate is a portal-skipper?

Victor (to Vincent): Oh! Uh, I don't know. Maybe. I'd have to... (to Nathaniel) Give me your hand for a minute.

Nathaniel (to Victor): Fuck off!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Don't be an idiot. Give me a second... (to Vincent) I'm not 100% sure, Dad, but I think he is. I mean, it's hard for me to find his anchor, like you and Mom.

Persephone (to Poppy): Aunt Poppy, you're back!

Poppy (to Persephone, Nathaniel, Victor & Vincent): Oof! Gah! There are bloody well too many people in this house.

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I'm not going to complain when you collapse into my arms, lover.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. (to Nathaniel) I hope I didn't freak you out, honey. You look a bit like a deer in the headlights. (to Vincent) Judging by the looks on all your faces, I take it the talk hasn't been going well, lover. (to Persephone) Your parents send their regards, Seph honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Not particularly well, hun.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, since your way seems to be a bust. Shall we try it my way, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Be my guest, hun. (to Victor & Persephone) Come on you two. Give Nate some breathing room. Into the kitchen.

Nathaniel (to Poppy, Vincent, Victor & Persephone): No. No. No! This is insane! You're all just... This is fucking crazy!

Persephone (to Vincent): Yes sir. Is he going to be alright?

Vincent (to Persephone): He'll be fine, hun.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, calm down. I know this is a lot to take in & that everyone told you that you were crazy. Those pills you've been taking haven't done anything to stop the weirdness, have they? If you'll let me, I'd like to show you something.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): No. They aren't helping. They never helped.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): That's because what you've been seeing are not hallucinations. Have you just seen glimpses or have you been wandering over? When it first started for me, I just saw flashes of places at first. Then, one day I walked through a rip, at least, that's what it looked like. I ended up in these woods the likes of which I had never seen. I thought I had gone round the bend.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): I... I went, I don't know, someplace else, I think, when I was a kid. My parents thought I'd read too many Narnia books... I-I'm not sure. It's hard to remember. I was told so, so many times...

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I know, honey. I'm sorry you had to go through that alone. If you're willing, I can take you to see where I grew up. Just take my hand. If you don't want to, I'll understand. I know this is a lot to process.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. OK. If this all this shit is true, prove it. If I'm not fucking crazy, I wanna know I'm not fucking crazy.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Alright, honey. Now, I don't know if you can do this. I know your uncle can't. But, we can leave from right here... Can you see the portal opening or feel the tingling sensation on your skin?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I... Jesus fucking shit! Is that... Is that the portal?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): That would be it. We can walk through it, if you'd like.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Christ, I don't... No. No. I said I would do this. If I'm gonna wonder my whole life what was on the other side.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Alright. Here we go... 

A moment later, in New London, Britannia:

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Welcome to New London.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): I--I don't... Oh my god. 

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's something, isn't it? Come on, let's go back through. I think I've fried your brain enough for one day.

A minute later, at Poppy & Vincent's home, West Piedmont:

Nathaniel (to Poppy): This is just... This is fucking bullshit! All that fucking time I spent in doctor's offices and fucking psych wards... I was just a freak, not a crazy fucking freak! Can everyone in the damn family do that? What the... Are you OK?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I just need to sit down, honey. Crossing over takes a lot out of me & it seemed a little different than normal. I've already done it twice today... I'm sorry. What were you saying?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Nothing. I need to just... I need to clear my head. I'm going for a walk. Um... Thank you. For, you know... Showing me I'm not as crazy as I thought.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): You're welcome, honey. I understand this is a lot to take in. I'm just going to lie down for a second...

A moment later, in the kitchen:

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Hey. Aunt Poppy's passed out on the couch. I'm gonna... I don't know. I'm gonna go for a walk.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Thanks, Nate. Take as much time as you need.

Persephone (to Vincent & Victor): Wow. He's certainly a charmer. Are you sure he's related to you?

Victor (to Persephone): No.

Vincent (to Victor & Persephone): Hush. He's related all right. I can't imagine growing up with my family was easy on him.

Persephone (to Vincent & Victor): Ooo, I'll go get the door. That's probably Yoyo for her sword lesson. This is going to be so moo! (to Yukiko) Hi Yoyo. Well, don't you look all spiffy. That seems a little formal for swordfighting, but whatever.

Vincent (to Victor): Go on! Go watch your girlfriend beat up your cousin. That gash she gave me on my side still hasn't healed correctly.

Yukiko (to Persephone): Haha. These are my school clothes. I didn't have time to change before I came over here.

Persephone (to Yukiko): Oh right. You can change in my room, if you'd like. I'll go get the practice room set up.

Victor (to Yukiko): Hi. Do you mind if I watch?

Yukiko (to Victor): Me change? Or did you mean the match? :-P I'm sorry, that just sort of came out. I didn't mean to embarrass you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. It's alright. You've met my parents, right? :-P

Yukiko (to Victor): That's probably where I picked it up from. And yes, you can watch the match. I just need to throw on some different clothes. I'll be right out.

Victor (to Yukiko): Cool. I'll see you soon, then.

Persephone (to Victor): So, when Yoyo trounces me terribly, could you possibly give me a little pep talk afterward? You know, before you act all squishy faced with her.

Victor (to Persephone): I'm not going to be all squishy faced! I don't even know what that means. Don't worry. You'll do fine.

Persephone (to Victor): You know what the squishy face is. It's like when your parents are staring at each other, acting like there's no one else in the room. And, you feel really uncomfortable... Squishy face. It's a technical term.

Yukiko (to Persephone & Victor): Squishy face?

Persephone (to Yukiko & Victor): I am not explaining it again.

Victor (to Yukiko): Apparently it's some dread disease that locks you in a neverending staring contest. I'm guessing it's fatal.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, that sounds terrible.

Persephone (to Victor & Yukiko): Heehee. (to Yukiko) Are you ready?

Yukiko (to Persephone): I think so.

A short time later:

Victor (to Persephone): You did really well!

Persephone (to Victor): Thank you. Help me up, would you?

Yukiko (to Persephone): Are you okay?

Persephone (to Yukiko): It's only my pride. I think I'll heal.

Victor (to Persephone): Heh heh. If it makes you feel any better, you lasted longer than my dad.

Persephone (to Victor): Actually, that does help a bit. (to Yukiko & Victor) I'm going to go hop in the shower. You can commence with swooning, now. :-P

Yukiko (to Persephone): You're very funny.

Victor (to Yukiko & Persephone): Hilarious.

Yukiko (to Victor): She's taking it much better than I thought she would. I was half expecting her to be mad at me.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. She's probably already plotting how she can beat you next time. Thank you for sparring with her.

Yukiko (to Victor): It was a good match. She is very talented. Your mom is an excellent teacher. I'm quite lucky that she offered to teach me. If Seph spent a little more time practicing, I have a feeling that I'd have been the one on the floor. I wouldn't mind sparring with her again.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sure she'll be thrilled to hear that. She doesn't get a chance to practice as much as she'd like. Her mom and dad keep her pretty busy. They're still holding out hope that she'll be respectable one day.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? That doesn't really seem all that likely. Or do you think she will suddenly want to settle down?

Victor (to Yukiko): Seph?! I doubt it. I think she's gonna do what my mom did and be having adventures with a baby strapped to her back.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Strangely, I can see your mother doing that. That explains why you seem so comfortable around all of this craziness. I mean, my parents were doing god knows what & I had absolutely no idea... I think I like your parent's way better.

Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah. It just doesn't seem all that nuts to me. Do you, I mean, none of this stuff freaks you out, does it? Nate had a bit of a meltdown this morning when my mom came home all bloody.

Yukiko (to Victor): The first time I saw your Dad come home & he had clearly been in a fight, I have to admit I was a little freaked. But, he was pretty matter of fact about it, didn't make up a story to explain it away, just told me the truth. I still wish they wouldn't get hurt, but I know that's just a part of their lives. I'm not sure I'd be that relaxed if it was you, though. Are you worried that this stuff is going to scare me off?

Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah. A little bit. A lot, actually. I kind of forget what it looks like from the outside most times.

Yukiko (to Victor): I don't want to make promises, because you never know what tomorrow holds. But, as of this very moment, I think you're pretty much stuck with me... And, not just because your parents bought me from my brother.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'm perfectly fine with that.

Several hours later:

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Hey, Stretch. I didn't think I find you out wandering the streets.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh hey. I needed to walk away from a painting before I fucked it up.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): You go to school here, huh?

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Want a smoke?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Jesus fucking Christ, YES. Thanks!

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Here you go. So, what's got you out wandering the streets?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Fuck. I'm thinking about maybe going home. I don't know. You weren't fucking kidding about "odd" with this family.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Really? Well, good luck with that. It seems kind fucked up, if you ask me.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): It's more than a little fucked up. Especially since I'll get shipped off to camp and then fuck knows where, but... Christ. I--I don't know if I can cope with all this. 

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hmmm, I thought you said you could handle crazy shit, tough guy?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): I can handle normal crazy. Give me a guy who hides ketchup packets in his socks, I can cope. This is above and beyond.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): So, you discovered that there's a whole other world out there and you're simply going to pack it in & go home? That's disappointing.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Give me a fucking break! It's not like I wanna go back to butt fucking Mississippi, but, Christ...

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey, you don't have to explain to me. I grew up with the weirdos.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Funny. You don't seem nuts.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): I bet you say that to all the girls... or maybe, you don't, it really makes no difference to me. I think you'd be an idiot to choose to go back to that horrorshow, but it's your life.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Christ. Why don't you tell me what you really think? You're not one for softening the blow, are you? I don't know what to do, or even what to think! I woke up this morning to my aunt covered in blood, her kid's all business like it's no big deal, Uncle Vincent wanders in looking like a a half-sized, faggy Errol Flynn... And I find out all the times that I was either on meds that made me a zombie or locked up someplace where they hide the pointy objects was fucking *useless*, because, turns out, hey, I'm NOT fucking hallucinating... I'm just a freak. Sorry. It's not like there's a fucking pamphlet for how to cope with this shit.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, poor you, that's gotta be rough finding out that you're not crazy and that there are actually people who know what you're dealing with. Makes sense that you'd want to go home.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Definitely not one for softening the blows. I don't want to go home. I wouldn't have left if I wasn't fucking desperate.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Look, my Aunt & Uncle are weird and eccentric, Victor is a little tightly wound, but I love them and they are good people. If you'd stop feeling sorry for yourself for one fucking minute, you'd realize how lucky you are that they're willing to let stay with them. If you go home, what do you have to look forward to? Bible studies? That sounds fun.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): You'd be surprised how homoerotic the Bible can be. You're right, Stretch. Heh. I'm not really used to people calling me out on my shit. Most people are on eggshells around me.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): They're probably just afraid you'll get all your crazy all over them. So, you bolting or what?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Or stab them in the neck with a fork. No. Not yet. Thanks for the cigarette.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Good. Here, take the rest of the pack. I've got another one. I need to go get back to painting.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Thanks. I'll pay you back when I get some money coming in.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Don't worry about it. I'll see you around.

An hour later:

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Hey, kiddo. I was wondering when you were going to wander back in. We saved some dinner for you. It's in the microwave. Don't worry about it tonight, I know today was a bit hectic, but so you know, all the kids have a curfew.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Uh, thanks. Is everyone else asleep?

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Poor Poppy is dead to the world, and Victor and Seph are in his room. I seriously doubt they're sleeping. Good night, Nate. Let us know if you need anything. Whew! You smell like an ashtray! We'll see you tomorrow morning.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Hey, uh, Uncle Vincent? Before you go to bed, can I ask you something?

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Of course. What's on your mind?

Nathaniel (to Vincent): How did you do it? Leave home, I mean. I kinda figured you would take me in because--because of everything... But, you didn't know anyone. I didn't even have the guts to tell my folks that I was gay. They just figured it out.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Heh. Firstly, I didn't have the guts to come out to my parents either. I got drunk, pissed off & said it during a fight. Secondly, I didn't think I had any other options. My dad said he was going to kill me, and my mom told me I was going to burn in hell. And because I was really young and really stupid, I thought anything would be better than what I was facing at home. I was very, VERY lucky that this turned out to be true.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Yeah. Thanks. Night.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Good night.

Back in the Future, Day 4

At Vincent & Poppy's apartment, West Piedmont:

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Good morning, honey. Coffee? Tea? Something a bit more substantial?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Huh? Where the fuck..?! Oh! Right. Right. Sorry. I forgot where I was. I can't have... Caffeine makes me jittery. No thanks. Do you have any juice? Any kind will do.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): We've got some orange juice, I'll pour you a glass. Did you sleep okay? Vincent swears that couch is the most comfortable place on the planet besides our bed. But, I can't ever sleep on it for very long.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): It was a little cramped, but fine. Thanks for letting me stay.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): It's not a problem, honey. So, what's your plan?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): I have a friend in New York who said I could stay with him. I'm going to head up that way when I get together enough money.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): So, you'll be needing a job, then. Any thoughts about what you'll be doing to earn money? Exactly, how old are you, honey? Ever had a job before? Or were you thinking of fleecing us? I saw you looking around the apartment. I'm not dumb. Besides, half this stuff in here is heavily out of date. We haven't been living on this side of the pond for quite awhile.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Wh--what? No! I'm not a thief! I've got a job. I can do it from here on my laptop if you guys have a wireless connection. Jesus! Look, if you don't want me here, I can find someplace else to stay.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, you can stay here but I won't abide blatant lying or secrets. If you're not honest with me, how can I trust you? Honestly, I don't care if you're a bit of juvenile delinquent. I know you've never hurt anyone, I've seen your record. Just not in my house. If you want our help, I mean, really want our help. You're going to have to do it our way.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Well, I'm sorry I haven't told you my whole life's story. I don't exactly know you guys from Adam either, you know. 

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I realize that, honey. But, you came to us for help. So, if you want it, these are the rules.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Wait. How the hell have you seen my record?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I'm very good at what I do, honey.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): So what? You're a cop? Or a bobby or whatever? You find anything else interesting, or just my juvie record? Doesn't matter. Thing's fulla crap anyway. I'm not gonna steal anything or do anything illegal or crazy while I'm here, OK?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. Don't worry I'm not a cop. We've all had our brushes with the law. Well, not here anyway. I know a lot of things about you, but it's just paper & other people's words. I'd really rather hear it from you. So, care to enlighten me? Or are you going to let that giant chip on your shoulder weigh you down?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Fine. Whatever. It's not like you probably don't know all this anyway... First time my parents sent me to one of those stupid, fu-- one of those camps, I was 15 and lumping a bunch of upset, teenaged queers together is a really shitty idea. I ended up ODing. The next four months were a tour of hospitals and institutions. We live in a small town. When I finally got back home 7 months later, there wasn't anyone who didn't know. That made me REAL popular, lemme tell you. If I get sent to one of those camps again, I'll end up in an institution afterward. That's how it goes. I wanna avoid that.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): That's completely understandable. I'm sorry that you went through all of that on your own, honey. Your uncle went through something similar, but I think you already know that, since you said you found that old article.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. Well, now you know.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Thank you for telling me, honey. Now, is there anything else you'd like to tell me? If it will make you more comfortable, you can ask me anything you'd like. It seems only fair.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): I think I've spilled enough of my guts. Christ, I don't know... Did my grandfather really threaten to kill Uncle Vincent? I know what the article said, but the family always claimed, if it ever came up, that it was all blown out of proportion.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, I really wish that had been the case, but it was completely true. In fact, Mou-- Emmeline was probably being a little too honest in the description of his injuries in that article, but she didn't want to be accused of that very thing. I saw the photos and the x-rays. He was in pretty rough shape. I'm glad you were spared that kind of thing. Though being sent to those camps doesn't sound much better.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Dad never hit me. He's an idiot, but he's not a violent idiot. I don't know. I figured I could bide my time until college but that didn't work out so well.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): So, what about the boy who was on your phone? Is he the one in New York?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): That's Timothy. He's part of the reason staying in the closet didn't work so well. He's not... We broke up a few weeks ago. Reason number 2 I figured I had no reason to stay.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry to hear that, honey. Heh. You are so related to Vincent. He & Victor get that same look when they're trying not to say something that they really want to. It's like you're trying not to explode from all the words that want to come out. So, instead you try to play all stoic. Honey, trust me, it doesn't work. Just makes it more obvious.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Christ! Persephone wasn't kidding about you. No wonder your kid seems like such a goody two shoes. Timothy dumped me. He didn't like my job.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Oh yes, the mysterious computer job that requires an internet connection. So, what is it? Porn? Gambling? Internet Chat? And, please don't say things about my son, honey. You can be as insulting as you want about anything else, but I won't stand for that sort of thing.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): OK. OK. I'm sorry. And, I'm not doing porn or gambling or anything like that. It's just chatting.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Just chatting, huh? And it pays well & you like it?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): It's OK, & pays well enough, I guess. It's not like I can get a job at McDonald's when everyone in town knows I have a record. And YES. It's just chatting. There are a lot of lonely guys out there who'll pay to talk to a good-looking mo.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, if you wanted a "real" job, I'm sure we could get you something to do. Your uncle happens to know a lovely lady with a café & lounge. And, she wouldn't care about your record. That is if you wanted something like that.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): I... What? Not like 20 minutes ago, you were accusing me of casing the joint, and now you're offering to find me a job?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): What, honey? You were honest with me, which I appreciate. I needed to know what kind of person you were. It's always much easier to figure out what a person's angle is when they're feeling indignant. Besides, I now know what your tells are. And, since you were honest with me, I thought it should be rewarded. So, what do you say? Do you want a real job? Or do you really like talking to pervy old men?

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Hey, you don't know what kinda daddy issues I might have. I'm just kidding. Sure. Why the hell not?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. Good. Get yourself cleaned up & I'll go talk to your uncle. (to Vincent) Honey? Are you still lounging in bed?

Vincent (to Poppy): For as long as I possibly can. We've got a house full of teenagers out there. Have you been grilling our newest addition, lover?

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey. He's a got a huge chip on his shoulder & a bit of a mess, but I think there might actually be a decent person hidden deep, deep down under all of that resentment and attitude. I thought you could see if Mouse would give him a job at Renfield's or Dracula's Daughter. What do you think? If anyone can get through to him, it's probably your sister. She seems to have a gift for it. :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. She certainly does. I can ask. You know sister dearest has a soft spot for broken, angry young men. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Good. I sent him to go get cleaned up. I've got some business to attend to in New London, so I'll be away for a bit. I'm leaving all of the wayward children in your capable hands. So, feel free to take Nate to your sister & see about that job. Then, you'll have one less to worry about for a little while. :-P And, I think Victor is hiding in his room waiting for the dreaded talk. I'm leaving that all to you. I don't think he's going to be at all comfortable talking to me about sex. Lucky you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens! You're leaving me alone with all of this? I may not survive. If I don't make it, know that I always loved you. Can't we go antagonize CLANNG or something less terrifying?

Poppy (to Vincent): Maybe later, if you've been good. You'll do just fine, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Mmmm. We shall see. Give me a kiss, beautiful, and I'll let you toddle off to do your spy stuff.

Poppy (to Vincent): I'll try not to take too long. I'm going to go the short way. I love you. See you soon!

Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too. Wish me luck!

Poppy (to Vincent): Good luck, honey!

A short time later:

Persephone (to Vincent): Knock, knock. Sorry to bother you, Uncle Vincent, but I was going to go grab coffee. Do you want anything?

Vincent (to Persephone): No thank you, Seph. Is my son squirreled away in his room waiting for the hammer to fall on him?

Persephone (to Vincent): Yeah, he's a bit terrified that you're going to be upset with him. I feel terrible for blabbing.

Vincent (to Persephone): It's alright, hun. We already knew, so don't feel too bad about it. We're not mad. I'll go talk to him. Enjoy your coffee.

Persephone (to Vincent): Okay. Thank you. I'll be back in a little bit.

Vincent (to Victor): Victor? Are you going to hide in here all day, or will you grace us with your presence sooner or later?

Victor (to Vincent): I wasn't hiding! Um, well, OK. Maybe I was. A bit.

Vincent (to Victor): You can exhale. I haven't come to yell at you. You haven't done anything wrong or to be embarrassed about. You've got a girlfriend you care about, and whom you've dated awhile, and now you two have a sexual relationship. It's all dreadfully mundane and normal, I assure you. Believe it or not, both your mother and I are GLAD...

Victor (to Vincent): DAD!

Vincent (to Victor): Heh. Calm down. Let me finish. Both your mother and I are glad something in your life is normal and run of the mill. We know that's not always the case in this family. Are you two using protection?

Victor (to Vincent): Yes. We're being careful. We, um, talked about all that stuff before we... Um, we talked about it.

Vincent (to Victor): Good lad! Were you both virgins before this? Do you need to go to Planned Parenthood to get any testing? I'm not going to be upset if the answer is no, you know.

Victor (to Vincent): Oh my god... Yes! We were both... I mean, we don't need to get tested.

Vincent (to Victor): OK. If Yoyo wants to get on birth control, which I would heartily recommend by the by, either your mom, or even your aunt would be more than happy to take her to Planned Parenthood. If she's not comfortable with us being involved, I'll show you where it is so you can take her. Don't make a face. This is part of being a grownup who gets to have sex.

Victor (to Vincent): I know. Thanks, Dad.

Vincent (to Victor): You're welcome. Come here and give me a hug, Little Man! I can't believe how grownup you're getting.

Victor (to Vincent): Yeesh! Alright, Dad. Stop! It's getting weird.

Vincent (to Victor): I'm stopping. If you have any questions, you know you can come to your mother or me. We'll try not to make it TOO awkward.

Victor (to Vincent): Thanks.

Vincent (to Victor): You're welcome. Now stop skulking in your room like a troll in a cave!

A couple hours later, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:

Mouse (to Marlena & Yukiko): I seriously think you two have had enough coffee. You're going to drink up all of my profits in one day. :-P

Yukiko (to Mouse): You're probably right, I feel like I'm going to float away. Can you overdose on coffee?

Marlena (to Mouse): Sorry mom. We've got projects due at the end of the week & then finals next week. We're a bit swamped.

Mouse (to Marlena & Yukiko): Just give it a rest & let it sink in. I'll get you both some water.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Why on earth did you make us come here? You know, my mom is going to be hovering.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Oh come on, she's not that bad and you know it. Be glad that you have a mom that cares about you & get back to work. This stupid paper isn't going to write itself. :-P

Marlena (to Yukiko): It is so unfair that you get to pull the bad parent card, you evil dictator. :-P

Mouse (to Marlena & Yukiko): Here's your water... What's got you both grinning like crazy people?

Marlena & Yukiko (to Mouse): Nothing.

Mouse (to Marlena & Yukiko): Okay, Frick & Frack, I'll leave you alone. If you need me, I'll be in the back teaching Janice how to make cheese biscuits. Try not to be too disappointed that I'm not hovering. :-P

Marlena (to Mouse): Heh. Thanks, mom.

Yukiko (to Mouse): Thank you, Mrs. Estevez.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Hey, do you have a pencil sharpener? I seem to be missing mine.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Yeah, it should be in the left inside pocket of my bag.

Vincent (to Yukiko & Marlena): Hey girls, is my sister hanging around?

Marlena (to Vincent): Hi Uncle Vincent! She's in the back teaching Janice how to make cheese biscuits. You'll probably hear the swearing soon. I think she's determined to find her something useful to do. She keeps saying there's got to be something that girl is capable of besides mucking up orders and flirting with boys.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): Your sister?

Yukiko (to Marlena & Vincent): Heehee.

Vincent (to Marlena): Hee hee. Thanks, Mars. Hopefully she'll be grateful for the great, big distraction I'm about to lay on her. (to Nathaniel) Adopted. I traded up in the world. (to Yukiko & Marlena) Girls, this is Nate Jones. He's my nephew. (to Nathaniel) Nate, this is Yoyo and Marlena. Make yourself comfortable and behave yourself, grumpy gob. 

Marlena (to Vincent): Jones? Oh? OH! Wow. (to Nathaniel) Hi there.

Yukiko (to Vincent): Oh my goodness. (to Nathaniel & Marlena) So, does that makes you two cousins?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yes. One of those Joneses. I see our reputation proceeds us.

Marlena (to Yukiko): I think you'd actually have to be related by blood for that to be the case, Yoyo. (to Nathaniel) Well, it's not reputation so much as infamy. But, you seem harmless enough.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Oh. I'm confused.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Harmless, huh? Think that's the first time I've been accused of that.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Heh. It's okay. I'll explain it to you later. (to Nathaniel) Sorry to disappoint you. What brings you to town, Nate? Come to gawk at the weirdos?

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Not precisely. I'm staying with Uncle Vincent for a little while.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh well, welcome to the family, then. I hope you have a high threshold for the odd.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah. I think I can handle it. Believe me, I've dealt with worse.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. You say that now. Trust me, you haven't seen anything, yet.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Mars, are you trying to give him a complex?

Marlena (to Yukiko): He says he can handle it.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Okay, fine. I'll keep my opinions to myself & continue working on my project.

Nathaniel (to Marlena & Yukiko): Somehow, I'm not concerned. I already got grilled by the littlest, squeakiest CIA member.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. If you managed to hold your own against Aunt Poppy, maybe you're tougher than you look. (to Yukiko & Nathaniel) I'm grabbing a smoke, I'll be back in a minute.

Yukiko (to Marlena): Really? Your mom is so going to kill you.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Hush you. She's clearly having a talk with Vincent. I'll be back before you notice I'm gone.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Well, this isn't awkward at all, in the slightest.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Yeah. More than a bit. So, Marlena is related to... Victor, I'm guessing?

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Yeah, they're cousins.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen of Renfield's, West Piedmont:

Mouse: Dear god! What is so difficult about making these cheese biscuits? It's easy. Shredded cheese, red onions, parsley, milk, egg, biscuit mix. A monkey could do it. Heck, my eight year old could do it. Janice, you're killing me.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh dear. Would you like me to stop by later, or shall I leave you to your in depth discussion of biscuits?

Mouse (to Vincent): Hey, little brother. Please, feel free to rescue me from my baked good nightmares. Does this look edible to you?

Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens! Not even slightly. What is it supposed to be?

Mouse (to Vincent): It was supposed to be a biscuit, not a charcoal briquet. So, what can I do for you? Judging by the look on your face, this isn't a social call.

Vincent (to Mouse): That is a terrifying thought. I was wondering if you could help me with a bit of karma that's been deposited on my doorstep?

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, that sounds intriguing. Am I going to need to a drink for this?

Vincent (to Mouse): I think we both might need one, hun. That sour looking young man who accompanied me inside is Nathaniel Jones. He's my nephew. He ran away from home to avoid being sent to one of my father's horrid Christian Love and Bullshit camps.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh damn! Come into my office, I've got a bottle of wine I've been saving for an occasion like this.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee hee. A special bottle of wine for comeuppance? He showed up on our doorstep last night.

Mouse (to Vincent): How are you holding up? This has got to be a bit weird for you. Have a glass.

Vincent (to Mouse): It's... It's more than a little strange, actually. Hellooooooo deja vu. Speaking of which, would you be willing to give our latest wastrel a job? He's got a little bit of a record, apparently. and, he's been earning money by chatting up old, lonely men online. And, no offense, but you have a way with angry, broken boys.

Mouse (to Vincent): Lucky me... I'll do it for you. After the whole Janice fiasco, I do need an extra person here. I'm not sure I want him at the club, just yet. Besides, Sebastian handles the hiring over there & I don't want to step on his toes.

Vincent (to Mouse): Thank you, sweetie! I'm not sure what else to do with him. And I don't think he's quite 18 yet, so the club would be a bad idea.

Mouse (to Vincent): You're welcome, sweetie. Let's go meet this lost boy.

In the front of Renfield's, West Piedmont:

Marlena (to Yukiko & Nathaniel): See, I'm back. No harm done.

Yukiko (to Marlena): You smell like an ashtray.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh. So that's what she meant. (to Marlena) Can I bum a smoke off of you?

Yukiko (to Nathaniel & Marlena): Great. Now, there's two of you.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Hush you. (to Nathaniel) Sure. Here you go.

Yukiko (to Marlena & Nathaniel): Well, I hate to break up this little smoking party, but I gotta get to class. I'll see you later.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Thanks. (to Yukiko) Later.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Bye Yoyo. I'll see you later.

Oliver (to Marlena & Nathaniel): Mars, are you done with these glasses and plates?

Marlena (to Oliver): Oh yeah, Oliver. Thanks.

Nathaniel (to Oliver): Do you work here?

Oliver (to Nathaniel): Yep. I just moved back to town a couple months ago. Miss Mous-- Emma was nice enough to give me a job.

Nathaniel (to Oliver): Really? Well, suddenly the prospect of getting a job here is a WHOLE lot more interesting.

Oliver (to Nathaniel): Oh well, I'm sure I'll see you around then. I need to get back to work. I'm Oliver, by the way.

Nathaniel (to Oliver): Hopefully so. I'm Nate.

Oliver (to Nathaniel): See you around, Nate! (to Marlena) Your mom's on her way down & you smell like an ashtray, you might want to fix that.

Marlena (to Oliver): Yeah, yeah. Don't rat me out. (to Nathaniel) Heh. Now, I know why you were being sent to that horror camp.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Sure. Like you didn't guess that before.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, I don't like to make assumptions.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Some assumptions I think are pretty safe to make. I can't really pretend I'm anything other than what I am.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): How very existential of you.

Nathaniel (to Marlena): If you say so. Heh. I like you, Stretch.

Marlena (to Nathaniel): Knock yourself out, twinkie.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Nate? This is my sister, Emma Potter. You can call her ma'am. :-p (to Mouse) Hun, this is Nathaniel Jones, another wayward Jones boy.

Mouse (to Nathaniel & Vincent): Please... You don't have to call me ma'am, in fact I'd prefer if you didn't. Nice to meet you, Nate. (to Marlena) Mars, you smell like an ashtray.

Nathaniel (to Mouse): It's nice to meet you too. I won't call you ma'am. I'm learning my uncle has an odd sense of humor.

Marlena (to Mouse): Yeah, yeah. I had a cigarette. It's going to be the death of me.

Mouse (to Nathaniel): That he does. So, I've got a job opening, if you want it. It's doing a little bit of everything. Have you ever worked in a restaurant or café before? (to Marlena) I swear you are too much like your father.

Marlena (to Mouse): And, I'm completely fine with that.

Nathaniel (to Mouse): No. I... No. I've only ever been a, um, self-starter? (to Vincent) Don't snicker. I didn't mean it like that!

Mouse (to Vincent): Alright, you have brought him here, now get lost. I'll drop him off later. Okay? (to Nathaniel) Well, we'll start with the basics and see what you're good at. How's that sound? (to Marlena) And, you get your ass home. If you're going to smoke, do it somewhere that I can't see you. Tell your father I'll bring something home for dinner. Gabe is staying at his friend, Kyle's, until later so it'll be the three of us, unless you have plans.

Marlena (to Mouse): I'm going, I'm going.

Vincent (to Nathaniel): Alright. Calm down. I wasn't trying to imply a thing. Yeesh! Touchy, touchy. Nate, I'll see you later at home. (to Mouse) Sister dearest, as always, you are a saint.

Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. What do you want me to try first, boss lady?

Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, please put that on my tombstone... Emma Potter, a saint and a bit of a sucker. (to Nathaniel) I'm going to ignore that... First, it'll be the wonderful world of unpacking boxes, so you'll know where everything is. Then, we'll move to the front of the house and show you how to use the register. And, if you're good, I'll let you chat up Oliver.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. You say as if that wasn't going to make that your epitaph already. Love you, sweetie. I'll see you later.

Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh heh. Sounds exciting. Lead the way.

Mouse (to Vincent): Love you too, pain in my butt.

A short time later, at the home of Eep & Mouse, West Piedmont:

Marlena (to Eep): Dad! Hey Dad! Where the hell are you?

Eep (to Marlena): I'm the hell on the porch! You're in a wonderful mood. What's up, monkey?

Marlena (to Eep): Mom sent me home. She's bringing food with her after she's done at work. And, Uncle Vincent brought her another stray kid. Mom's like the fuckin' orphan catcher or something.

Eep (to Marlena): Figures. You wanna wait for your mom to eat, or do you wanna get something now? Personally, I'm starving.

Marlena (to Eep): Yeah, food would be great.

Eep (to Marlena): Alright. Here you go. I'm sure Mom will be by soon enough to scold us for the weirdo crap we're eating. So who is this stray your uncle brought by?

Marlena (to Eep): Oh, he's apparently some gay boy nephew from the bio brother family.

Eep (to Marlena): Huh. One of the Jones contingency made an appearance, did he? I figured one of those fuckers'd show up sooner or later. That family can't fucking cope with anything outside of Ozzie & Harriet.

Marlena (to Eep): Yeah, he's a bit of a douche.

Eep (to Marlena): Yeah. Coming from that family? Not surprising. So you like him, huh?

Marlena (to Eep): He's okay. Mom's probably getting his number right now.

Eep (to Marlena): I don't doubt it. Between your mom and your aunt... Heh. You're right. We ARE the fucking orphan catchers.

A few hours later:

Yukiko (to Victor): Hey, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. I hope everything is okay with you. I met your cousin today. He seemed... Interesting. Seph told me about her spilling the beans. I hope it wasn't too terrible.

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Hey! I was thinking about you too. Yeah, Seph kind of opened her mouth in the heat of an argument last night and it flew. I'm, um, I'm sorry I told her, but, um, I... Heh. I kind of wanted to brag. My dad spoke to me about it today, and he was really normal about it. Embarrassing, but normal. Sorry you had to get exposed to Nate. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Yukiko (to Victor): Your cousin wasn't all that bad. He just seemed sort of lost. He was mostly annoying Mars, he didn't seem to know what to make of her. I'm sure I will get an earful from your mom tomorrow at my lesson. 

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, he doesn't seem to like me, that's for sure. I know my mom was interrogating him. I feel kind of bad for him.

Yukiko (to Victor): I don't regret a second of it, just so you know. :-)

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? Heh, that's good. Because I sure as bloody hell don't regret it,

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh good... I mean about the us part. I'll try & see you after my lesson tomorrow, if that's okay with you? As for your cousin, don't worry about it. If he doesn't like you, he doesn't know what he's missing out on.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'd really like seeing you tomorrow after your lesson if you're feeling up to it. And don't worry. I don't really care what Nate thinks of me. See you tomorrow!

Yukiko (to Victor): Bye Victor!

Victor (to Yukiko): Bye, Yoyo. Good night.

Persephone (to Victor): Oooo, bye Yoyo. Bye Victor! Oooo. I want to see you tomorrow... You are so smitten. I don't think I've ever seen you like this before.

Victor (to Persephone): Do me a favor, Seph, and kindly bugger off! Weren't you always the one who was complaining I was a "man whore?"

Persephone (to Victor): Well yes, but that's one of the things that I liked about you. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for you. And really, I shouldn't be at all surprised. You & your love of the mundane. I just wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. I was figuring twenty years from now when your looks had faded, you'd settle down with some plain farmer's daughter. Have a bushel of children. I'd come by to visit looking fabulous, we'd sit on the porch & talk about the good ole days. You know, like you do.

Victor (to Persephone): One: Yoyo is hardly mundane. Just because I found someone I like doesn't mean I've gone all dull & respectable. Two: do you really think my looks are going to fade in twenty years? I mean, look at my folks. I'm not worried.

Persephone (to Victor): I'm just teasing. I'm giving you a hard time because honestly I'm jealous. I keep looking for my prince & keeping finding toads. You just stumble on the perfect girl & she just happens to reciprocate your feelings. Totally unfair.

Victor (to Persephone): Seph, trust me, when you meet the right guy, you are going to blow him away. He won't be able to keep away from you. Heh. According to my dad, it's what falling in love with Longfellow women is like. Don't worry. Until then, just have fun with all the wrong ones. :-P

Persephone (to Victor): As if I wasn't going to do that, anyway. ;-)

Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Yeah. Somehow I wasn't too worried about it. So what do you think of the new cousin?

Persephone (to Victor): I think he's a jackass in tight jeans, who is enamored by his own self importance. Which is really just a defense mechanism to hide his low self-esteem. And, I trust him about as far as I can throw him. How about you?

Victor (to Persephone): Hee hee hee. Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. That guy has more drama backlogged than a penny opera. I was worried I might be judging him a bit too harsh with him because he clearly doesn't like me.

Persephone (to Victor): No, you're fine. Honestly, I'll be happy to see the back of him.

Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Thanks. Although, somehow, I think we'll be enjoying his company for a while longer yet. Oh boy!

Persephone (to Victor): Oh goody. And, on that note, I'm going to head to bed. I'll see you in the morning.

Victor (to Persephone): Good night! I'll see you tomorrow.