Nathaniel: Mmm. Hey, I thought... Oh. Oh shit. Hiiri. Right. It's Hiiri. Oh... Fuck. Fuck!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Hmmm... What's going on?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Nothing. I didn't... Nothing. I'm going to... Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep. Sorry I woke you.
An hour or so later:
Victor (to Nathaniel): Oops! Sorry! You really should start to lock the bathroom door. I'm not used to people... Are you OK?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah. Great. Just fucking great, and you're JUST the guy I wanna see right now. Fuck off, Victor!
Victor (to Nathaniel): Are you sure? I know you aren't exactly crazy about me, but if you need help...
Nathaniel (to Victor): I said BACK THE FUCK OFF!
Victor (to Nathaniel): Holy shit! Whoa. Easy. What on earth is wrong?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Go! Just fucking go! Alright? I'm fine! Why the fuck... You fucking pain in the ass. Why won't you just go? Please...
Victor (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Clearly, you're fine. I'm not leaving, and you obviously can't strong arm me out of here, so either we can both sit in the bathroom all morning, where, I'm sure, someone will bumble in sooner or later, or we can go in the kitchen.
Nathaniel (to Victor): You're seriously going to sit in here with me? What if I start taking a shit?
Victor (to Nathaniel): I work as a pirate with my parents. It won't be the worst thing I've seen. You should see the East Gardens in New London.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Jesus Christ... Fine.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Do you want something to eat? You haven't had anything since... OK. I'm going to assume that means no.
Nathaniel (to Victor): You are always fucking hungry, aren't you? What are you expecting here? That I'll spill my guts and then we become besties?
Victor (to Nathaniel): If you want, but somehow I think that's very unlikely. And yes, I'm "always hungry."
Nathaniel (to Victor): Just in time for Christmas. Won't that be a heartwarming tale? So why are you bothering with me?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Because you're upset, and we're family. Isn't that reason enough? Besides, you looked desperate. I'm worried. Do you want me to see if Hiiri's awake?
Nathaniel (to Victor): No! No. I mean... no. She hasn't been sleeping well lately, so, you know... No need to bother her. I don't think she's gonna wanna talk to me much after this, anyway.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Why wouldn't she? What happened? Why were you crying?
Nathaniel (to Victor): God, yeah. Rub that in my fucking face, why don't you? I... Hiiri's been sleeping in my room. She's freaked out. I had a dream. About my boyfr--, um, ex-boyfriend. I wasn't quite awake, and she was laying next to me... Why the fuck am I telling *you* this?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel Jones! Where the fuck are you!?!
Nathaniel: Shit. (to Yukiko) Kitchen.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): You have got a lot of fucking nerve, Mister. I don't know what you did to get Hiiri so upset, but I just spent the last thirty minutes trying to comfort her while she was crying. The only thing I got out of her was your name. She worships you & she deserves better. Anata no kirainahito Kyojin.
Nathaniel (to Victor): I know.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Really? That's all you have to say for yourself.
Victor (to Yukiko): Yoyo. Yoyo, calm down. It was a mistake. He didn't do it maliciously. (to Nathaniel) Nate, are you alright?
Yukiko (to Victor): Do what maliciously? She wouldn't tell me what happened. I just assumed he was being an asshole to her.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): No, I... I'm sorry.
Victor (to Yukiko): He, uh, apparently got a little overly familiar with Hiiri in his sleep.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): Overly familiar?! That's a real fucking nice way to sanitize it! I'll just say THAT from now on. I wasn't fucking raped, I was overly familiarized! Christ! That sounds almost pleasant!
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Whoa! Wait... What!?! We're not talking about what just happened with Hiiri, are we?
Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiiko): If we're not, we should be! I don't want to... I didn't mean to upset her, or hurt her, OK? Really. It was just a stupid dream, and I thought it was Tim next to me... And I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Tell her. I don't know why the fuck I tried to stay here. I don't know why I thought... I knew this wouldn't work!
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Nate, one thing at a time here! Calm the fuck down! We can't help, if you don't tell us what happened... You didn't have sex with Hiiri, did you?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): What? No!
Victor (to Yukiko): Why don't I go check on Hiiri? (to Nathaniel) It's alright. I know you don't want me here.
Yukiko (to Victor): Okay, she was sitting in the corner of your bedroom sleeping, when I left. (to Nathaniel) Well, you're talking about rape and acting hysterical. Hiiri's crying herself to sleep. What else am I supposed to think? Kami wa chikushÅ, Nate. Just talk to me.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I--I didn't mean to do it. I swear to fucking God. I would never, ever, ever, EVER touch anyone without their permission... Especially, not Hiiri. She--She asked me not to tease her about liking me, because it got too confusing with all those other memories in her head, and I...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): And you what?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Does it matter? I fucking upset her. I'm a piece of shit.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): It does matter, you dumbass. Stop acting like you're the worse thing in the world... You're not Hitler... Do you actually have feelings for her or was it really just an accident?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): It was an accident. I swear to god... I--I kind of leaned up against her, kissed her neck, and... oh God... I--I kind of stuck my hand down her pajamas. Which kind of clued me in it wasn't my boyfriend, you know? I like Hiiri, but just as a friend. And she... She trusted me, and I just, fucking...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Well, you do realize that there's only one way to fix this, right?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): You really think I can fix this? They don't make a "Sorry I molested you in your sleep" Hallmark card.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Fine. Then, don't try to fix it and potentially lose your best friend, because you're too much of a stubborn jackass. I don't know why I'm surprised by that. You stomp & sulk around here like you're the only one with any problems. The only person you seem to show an iota of compassion for is Hiiri. But, fine. Just throw her away because it got messy & complicated.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I don't want to throw her away! Jesus! How the fuck could you even... Do you realize what I just did to her? She TRUSTED me. She fucking trusted me! How do I say I'm sorry for that? How do you even fucking start?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I don't know. But, I think not saying anything is worse. If it really was an accident and that's all that happened. It's going to be an uncomfortable conversation. But, if you don't talk to her about it. She might never trust you or anyone again. And, if you just take off rather than dealing with it. Then, you deserve whatever horrible thing happens to you.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I'll talk to her, because she deserves AT LEAST that fucking much from me. You're right about that. And yeah. I know everyone here has worse problems than mine, alright? I get it. I know I'm the only one who can't hold together his shit. So save the righteous act. I've had enough of that fucking shit to last ten lifetimes.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I am NOT being righteous. I know you've had a rough time of it, but at some point you might want to think about your present and future, not just the past. Whoever hurt you is never going to apologize or fix it. That sucks, I get it... But, you just did something fucked up & you have the chance to make sure it doesn't fuck up Hiiri. And, at the moment, that's who I'm worried about. When and if she decides to forgive you and things are back to whatever counts as normal around here. Then, you can act all righteously indignant about my treatment of you.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I... I'm sorry. I am. I'm just so... So fucking pissed at myself I can't even fucking stand it, and I'm taking it out on you. I'm sorry. I'll try to talk to Hiiri.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Good. Because, if you don't, I'll know. Then, you and I are going to have a totally different kind of conversation.
A few moments later:
Nathaniel: Jesus… (to Hiiri) Hiiri? Are you awake?
Hiiri: Huh? What? (to Nathaniel) Don't fucking touch me! What the hell do you fucking want!?!
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I'm not. I'm not! I'm on the other side of the room. I swear! I'm not coming anywhere near you. I swear!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I don't care, if you're sorry or not. You gave me such a hard time for thinking that I did that to you the other day & then turn around and actually do it to me. I may be broken and messed up, but there's no excuse for that. If you thought it was a possibility, you fucking should of told me to go sleep somewhere else... I thought I was dreaming until I woke up & realized what had happened... Just leave me alone.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I... Christ. I don't... I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I didn't mean to... I was having a dream... I was asleep and didn't realize it was you lying next to me... I thought... I thought it was Tim, and I... Oh Christ. I'm sorry. I'm so, so fucking sorry. I didn't think it was a possibility. I didn't think it was the remotest of fucking possibilities! I swear to fucking god! And I know there's no excuse, and I know there's no forgiving it. I just... I just wanted to tell you what happened. I--I'll leave you alone. I--I just... I know you don't care. I know it doesn't matter. But I AM sorry. I really am. I would never, EVER touch anyone without their OK... I mean, I didn't think I would. I...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Go to hell, Nate... Tell everyone I'm sorry & I appreciate everything they've done for me. I can't be here, anymore. I'll be better off on my own.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No, no you fucking won't! Jesus, Hiiri, I'm the fucking broken one, OK? Everyone here is worried about you. Yoyo already threatened me. I'll go. I wasn't going to stay. You won't see me. I'm sorry. I'm... It doesn't matter. Bye.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, wait a minute, you ass! This is your family. You have nowhere else to go & you know it... Damn it! You can't even let me be mad at you without making me feel bad. You instantly act like an abused puppy... This is so fucked up. You do realize that, right?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You don't have anywhere else to go either! How the fuck else am I supposed to act? I fucking... I HURT you, Hiiri! In the worst possible way! You can't expect me to let you go off to nowhere and no one because of some stupid thing I did!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, actually I do.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Well, I'm not! I fucked up enough for you, alright? Let me do ONE good for you, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well, see that's where we have a bit of a problem... Why on earth would I want you to do something for me?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't then. I'm still fucking leaving, so you may as well stay.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Have fun, Nathaniel... Toodles.
A minute later:
Hiiri: Finally... I thought he would never leave... I probably should have thanked your little boyfriend for giving me the opening I needed, but he seemed to be so engrossed in his apology and torment, I just couldn't bring myself to do it...Wait. What's that? You're going to stop me? Not this time I'm afraid. Your little freakout seems to have put me firmly in the driver's seat & I plan on taking full advantage of it. Who knows how long it'll last?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Where the hell are you going? Nate? Nate!
Nathaniel (to Victor): I'm leaving. I should have done this fucking weeks ago!
Victor (to Nathaniel): Nate, just... just hold up. Don't go! Everyone is upset right now. No one is thinking clearly. How about we all calm down...
Nathaniel (to Victor): FUCK OFF, Victor! And get the fuck out of my way! Where the fuck IS it? How can I lose something...
Victor (to Nathaniel): If you're looking for that bottle of pills you had this morning, don't. It's not in here.
Nathaniel (to Victor): WHAT? You... you had NO fucking right to...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh, just let the little cry-baby off himself... It's not like he doesn't deserve it after what he did.
Victor (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Hiiri?
Hiiri (to Victor & Nathaniel): Boo... Did you miss me?
Victor (to Hiiri): Hello, Hiiri. Not particularly. (to Nathaniel) Nate, get behind me.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): That hurts my feelings, Victor. Nate, don't look so surprised. The little mistake isn't the most emotionally stable at the moment & your little escapade just knocked her for a proverbially loop, giving me the chance to slip in. So thank you. And if you really want to end it all. I'd be more than happy to help you with that.
Victor (to Hiiri): Cute. So what do you want to do here, Hiiri? We've still got you out-manned and very outgunned.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh my, aren't you the brave little soldier. Calm down. You and the family are very low on my list at the 'mo. I have some business to take care of in Britannia with a certain former lackey of mine. Then, maybe if I survive all that, we can have a nice family reunion... I'll even bring cookies.
Victor (to Hiiri): Sure. That sounds splendid. (to Yukiko) Yoyo! NOW, please!
Yukiko (to Victor): On it!
Hiiri (to Yukiko, Victor & Nathaniel): Wait... What!?!
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh my GOD, you were AMAZING. Is Hiiri alright? That should have just knocked her out.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. I had a good teacher. She's breathing. She's okay. (to Nathaniel & Victor) Are you two alright?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh god... I think I'm still shaking. (to Nathaniel) Nate? Oh no, no! You're not going anywhere. (to Yukiko) You steer Nate. I'll put Hiiri on the couch. Poor thing.
Yukiko (to Victor): Will do. (to Nathaniel) Come on, Nate... Sit your butt down.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): I don't... I...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Come on, Nate. I know it's a bit of a shock, but use your words.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): How did you... How did you know that... that the other...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): That it was the other Hiiri? I had my suspicions earlier, but when I overheard her say that you should kill yourself that was what cinched it.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Poppy told me that extreme emotional events can sometimes trigger the switch... I'm surprised she didn't say anything to you about it.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): No. She didn't. I'm so... Never mind. Um, do you think was it the Other Hiiri I apologized to?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Possibly...
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh. So I'll have to tell her I'm sorry again. Shit... Or maybe I shouldn't. I should just go.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Just sit down... Don't make me shoot you, too. For one, we don't know when the switch happened & two, don't be such a self-centered ass. I think the fact that the other Hiiri made an appearance is a bit more important than you doing something accidentally, right now. (to Victor) Right?
Victor (to Yukiko): Absolutely. (to Nathaniel) Listen to Yoyo, Nate. She's giving you more of a choice than I was planning. I was going to knock you out.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Fine.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Good boy.
Several hours later:
Hiiri: Huh? What happened? How'd I get out here?
Victor (to Hiiri): Hey! How are you feeling? What's the last thing you remember?
Hiiri (to Victor): Ummm, Nate telling me that he wouldn't let me leave because of something dumb that he did.
Victor (to Hiiri): Your Other Half made an appearance.
Hiiri (to Victor): Oh... Is everyone okay?
Victor (to Hiiri): Don't worry. Everyone is fine. Nothing happened. She didn't seem all that interested in hurting any of us, and Yoyo zapped you before you could leave.
Hiiri (to Victor): Oh, that's why I feel so awful... Is Nate okay? He was really freaking out.
Victor (to Hiiri): He's... I'm not sure, actually. He was pretty upset, and I'm sure the Other fucking with him didn't help matters. He's been acting a bit like a zombie since then.
Hiiri (to Victor): I should go talk to him before he does something stupid. (to Nathaniel) Nate, are you in here?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. You feeling alright?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Sort of... I wanted to apologize to you for whatever SHE said. And, I'm sorry for overreacting this morning... Nothing really happened. It just scared me a little bit. I was worried that I had done something to instigate it & I felt bad... and then, you were all freaked out. It's not really important.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You... What?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, you kissed my neck & when you realized it was me, you stopped. Really, no big deal. If you keep acting freaked out, I'm going to start worrying that there was more to it than it was.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No, no. It's not. It's not OK, it's... I--I know I didn't mean to, but, there's no excuse for that. I-I'm really sorry. But... I--I started to stick my hand down your top! I... You're not upset? Really? You're not just saying that because I... Never mind. It's not important.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): No, you are not allowed to do that. You owe me that much.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Look, I'll tell you whatever you wanna know, I just need you to tell me if you're OK.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm exhausted, I have a headache coming on and I got shot but, aside from that I'm just fine.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): But, you're OK? Like, mentally, you're OK? I didn't... I mean, if I fucking upset you, I don't want you to spare my feelings.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): God, Nate, why are you beating this horse? It's very much dead... I'm fine. Am I supposed to be more upset? I have no experience with this sort of thing.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh god... OK. OK. I'm sorry. I know I'm obsessing. It's just... That's... I'm sorry. It freaked me out. Bad associations. I was... I got upset, and it brought up a lot of bad memories, and I was being an idiot.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, could you please just talk about something else? Seriously, my head is killing me & now, I have to sleep on the couch. I liked curling up with you, it was honestly the only place I could get any sleep.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. God, you're right. I'm sorry. I'll shut the fuck up. Look, you can have the bed if you want it. I'll sleep on the couch.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It wasn't the bed, you idiot. It was being next to someone... besides you seem to have a history of grabbing my boobs in your sleep. It was the kissing that freaked me out.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I... You... Jesus, Hiiri. Ha ha ha! I'm sorry. It's not funny. It's not funny at all. Heh heh. Oh god... Of course it was the fucking kissing. Christ... I'm a fucking idiot.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, I keep telling you that... You know, you might want to think about liking girls because it would certainly make things a lot easier for you... You know, someone to be your beard. What? I'm just kidding... a little.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. No, you're right. God, are you ever fucking right. You're exhausted. I'll leave you alone, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Alright, thank you... Nate, are we okay? You're not going to leave or do anything stupid, are you?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You mean stupider than the shit I've *already* done? No. I promise I'll behave.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Good.
