Hiiri: Oh... Amazingly, I don't feel so bad... Until I just remembered what I did... Drunken me, you & I are going to need to have a talk.
Yukiko: Huh? ... Where am I? ... Victor? ... Oh, right. Heh. A girl could get used to this.
Victor (to Yukiko): Mmm? Oh. Sorry. Am I crowding you? I can shove over a bit.
Yukiko (to Victor): No, you're fine. I was actually just thinking how much I liked waking up next to you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Heh. I like waking up to you too.
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, um, I want you to know that I don't blame you for what happened yesterday. My family would have done something equally as horrible if you weren't around. Hell, I'd probably have been married off to some fat toad of a man, by now.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. I, uh... Thank you. I don't like the idea of you being put into danger because of me. Yeah... I can't really say that I blame you.
Yukiko (to Victor): I grew up in Nippon & the seedy part of New London. Trust me, I'm used to it. Why do you think I like it over here? And besides, I know it's kinda silly but, it's really nice to know that I have someone who will come to my rescue. Your mom told me you were all set to turn yourself over for me.
Victor (to Yukiko): I was. It would have been bloody stupid thing to do, because they obviously wouldn't have let you go, but I panicked a bit. I would never, ever leave you with people like CLANNG. Not if I could help it.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, I'm glad you didn't turn yourself over to them. They would have done god knows what to you... So, is there where you tell me you want to break up because you don't want me to get hurt? The whole "It's not you, it's me" thing.
Victor (to Yukiko): What? I... I wasn't going to say that! In all honesty, I was waiting for you to break up with me. This is... This is what my life is like sometimes. It's one thing to see it, and it's another entirely to get thrown into it. I can tell you it's not like this all the time, and that's true, but the times that it IS frightening, it can be terrifying. I really wouldn't blame you if you didn't want... If this was all too much.
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, sometimes you're an absolute idiot... Don't you think I knew what your life was like the minute I knew who you really were? I've been getting your parents teach me all of this stuff, so that I can stand my own ground & I'm not the helpless damsel in distress that puts you in danger all of the time. I know its scary & dangerous sometimes, but it's your life and I'd like to be a part of it. If I didn't, I would have told you right away.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! Ha ha ha! I am an idiot! I'm sorry. I thought that actually having to see it face to face... Nevermind what I thought. As I said, I'm an idiot. Heh. Why on earth did you think I was going to break up with you? I'm mad about you.
Yukiko (to Victor): You just seemed really quiet & contemplative, last night. And, we were all cozy in the bed together & you just went to sleep. I just assumed that meant you were going to break up with me. I guess, it was a stupid assumption on my part... And, for the record, I'm crazy about you, too.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sorry. I was worried and a bit drunk --a lot drunk-- and when I laid down next to you, and relaxed, I just drifted off.
Yukiko (to Victor): That's understandable. Yesterday was a weird day... Do you think we can just hideout in here all day?
Victor (to Yukiko): We can certainly try. Oh! Um, is part of the reason you thought I wanted to break up because we didn't... because I just went to bed last night?
Yukiko (to Victor): Um, just a little. I know, it's silly of me. I mean, your whole family is home & everything... I was just kinda hoping we could take advantage of the fact that we got to sleep in the same bed. It's no big deal. You were tired and drunk. You said it yourself. I'm just glad that you didn't mean anything by it.
Victor (to Yukiko): Holy shit. I AM an idiot. It is still early, and it doesn't sound like anyone else is up just yet. If you wanted to take advantage of the sleeping arrangements, that is.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... I've got the handsome boy I love in a bed next to me. Of course, I want to take advantage of the current situation.
A short time later:
Hiiri: I am soooooo bored. It's like a tomb in here, dead quiet & a lot of stiffs.
Poppy (to Hiiri): Honey, why are you standing in the hallway looking confused?
Hiiri (to Poppy): Oh... No reason. I just got a bit sidetracked & forgot where I was going.
Poppy (to Hiiri): Does that happen often or just when it sounds like something is going on in Victor's room?
Hiiri (to Poppy): Oh... Is there something going on in there? I couldn't tell.
Poppy (to Hiiri): It's alright, honey. You don't have to cover for them. I'm not happy about it, but I'd rather know they were both safe, than sneaking about or snatched by CLANNG. So, I will endure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to fix some coffee. And, you move along. Don't eavesdrop, honey, it's rude.
Hiiri (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. Sorry. (to Nathaniel) Nate... Nate... Nate... Nat... Nathan... Nathaniel... Nate? Gah... Why won't you wake up?
A couple hours later:
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hey. We the only ones up?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Probably… Poppy came through & scolded me, a couple hours ago. But, other than that, no one else has been rousted. I've been so incredibly bored... I went for a walk, got coffee, window shopped, and I read a book.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Whoa. You've been busy. What was Aunt Poppy bitching at you about?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, I was stopped outside the hall on my way to wake you up & she thought I was eavesdropping on Victor & Yoyo having sex.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh god. There's a mental image I didn't need. So, were you eavesdropping on them? You pervert.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Not intentionally... I was trying to decide if I should bother you or not. And, I got distracted.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): So, yes. I am not awake enough for this yet. Is there any coffee left, or am I too late?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yeah, there should be.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Thank Christ. So... uh, yeah. This is kinda fucking awkward.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Just a bit. I'm sorry I was such a dumbass, last night.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): It's alright. Everyone was off last night, I guess.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You're not going to start acting all weird around me, are you?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yes. I realized last night I'm secretly straight and I blew my chances with you last night. :-P
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, but I'm used to you being a jackass... And, that kiss last night made me realize that I'm a lesbian, so there. :-p
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Christ! Weren't you the one complaining I'm always being a dick, anyway? Suddenly, I feel like I should apologize to the lesbian community. Sorry I'm being weird. It's not you.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's probably just a phase, you know, to get over you, you big 'mo.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. Yeah. Sure. I'm irre-fucking-sistible.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Seriously. What the fuck is wrong with you? Did my being an idiot really shake you up that badly? Should I go find a boy for you to make out on? Clearly, I can find gay boys easier than straight ones.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I texted Timothy last night. To let him know I was OK. I mean, we're not together, but I figured he'd want to know. He didn't.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, Nate, I'm sorry. That sucks. Is there something I can do? Want me to hit him with a hammer or something?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. No. Not a hammer. Something bigger. I guess no one is worried I've disappeared just yet.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I think I could drop a house on him. Would that be big enough?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh heh. It might be. ... I'm... Shit. I'm still hung up on him. See? You're not the only idiot.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... I'm gonna give you a hug. Don't make a big fucking deal about it. Ok?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Ewww. I'm kidding. Thanks.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Oh, hi guys. Is there anything to eat? I'm starving.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Yeah. I'll bet.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): There's some leftovers in the fridge. Help yourself. (to Nathaniel) Be nice.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I'm going to ignore that remark, because you're clearly looking for a fight & I don't feel like giving you one. (to Hiiri) Thanks.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Yeah. I probably am. Sorry. I'm gonna grab a cigarette. (to Hiiri) See? I can be a civilized person. Some of the time.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): You're welcome. I'm going to read my book. Enjoy. (to Nathaniel) I am so going to bake you cookies. :-p
Yukiko: Wow... That was just plain odd.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Will you wear a little frilly apron while you do it?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): If you're fucking lucky, I may even wear pearls.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Be still my fucking heart.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh... Would it be better for you, if I dressed like a lumberjack & drew on a mustache? You like that sort of thing, right?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Stop. You're getting me hard with just the thought of it. Heh. Wanna a cigarette? No sense of me dying from cancer alone.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Cough one up, cancer boy... God, I really need to figure out what I'm going to do. I can't keep mooching off everyone.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You and me both. I was never really planning on staying here long. Do you, uh, you wanna go to New York with me? I mean, I get it if you wanna stay here and take a crack at the whole "family" scene. But if it's too weird...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, I don't know... maybe... What's in New York? Even if I want to stay here, it's not my decision. I may not have any other choice but to leave.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I have no idea what's in New York. I knew a guy out there who said... Course that may not be an option anymore. I always thought I'd go to school or something there. It's someplace no one knows me or my whole fucking history. Anyway, you're not obligated or anything. I just thought I'd offer.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thanks, I'll definitely think about it... So, you don't want to stay here, huh? When were you thinking about leaving?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): My aunt and uncle are alright, and I really do appreciate them taking me in and getting me a job and shit. But they're not responsible for me. I'll head up there as soon as I have enough money, I guess.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well, you sound like you've made your mind up... So, just tell me when you decide & I'll go with you. You shouldn't go by yourself. And, having a cute, plucky sidekick might come in handy. :-p
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Shit. Honestly, I'm not sure what the fuck I'm going to do. Heh. Things haven't really gone EXACTLY how I was thinking. I think between the two of us, we can figure it out.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh, you've got a lot more faith in the two of us, than I have because I was thinking we're fucked.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. Well, that's a possibility too, I guess.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): So, seriously, what did this New York guy tell you & how much do you trust him?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I don't really think my prior New York connection can be counted on at this point, so don't worry about it.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, so we go somewhere else, then... How about California? Or Portland? Or Paris?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. I don't suppose I'm married to New York. I don't think I can afford Paris. Besides, how the fuck are you going to get out of the country? You can't exactly get a "clone from another dimension" visa.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Sure, you can, babydoll... We don't need bus fare or plane tickets. We're skippers, we can go anywhere we want. We could, even, go right now.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. Oh shit. You're right, aren't you? Ha ha ha! Holy fucking Christ. I just realized... All those years, all those fucking years, I spent wishing I was someplace, ANYPLACE else. The thing that was making everyone think I was fucking nuts, is the thing that would have let me leave.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): So... What does this mean?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. God, Hiiri! It means, we could just, just GO. We could... You don't wanna leave, do you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): With you? Sure, why not... I just didn't want to go on my own. I'm tired of being by myself. It's a bit overrated.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): That's not what I meant. I meant here. You wanna stay HERE.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Fine. You caught me. Yes, I want to stay here. I like it, it feels like home. But, I don't belong & the longer I stay the worse it's going to be when I have to leave. So, I might as well go with you, now. At least, you want me around.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You haven't noticed, have you? That no one jumps when you walk into the room anymore? No one's eyeballing you like you might pull a knife any second. You're getting scolded like me and Victor...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... I-- but, that doesn't mean they'll let stay. And, I don't want you off wandering on your own. Trust me, it sucks.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah, no one knows quite what to do with you, but I've been in a house where I wasn't wanted, and this isn't it. It's not normal. Fuck, it's probably not even right, but if you wanna stay, we can tough it out for a while longer.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thank you, Nate. Just say the word & we'll leave when you're ready. Ok?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't worry. I think I can survive a while longer. And, if it all goes shitty? Then we take off, and bum around Europe. Deal?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Deal... Can I hug you again or have you reached your girl touching quota for the day?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Only if you make it quick. I'm just fucking kidding. Give me a hug, freakshow.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You know, for a snarky bastard, you're okay.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I have moments. You're pretty alright for a clone of a murderous monster, yourself.
