Yukiko (to Hiiri): Gah! Hiiri! Could you please not sit on the edge of the bed like a gargoyle? It's quite disturbing.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): Sorry... I made breakfast.
Yukiko (to Hiiri): Well, thank you. As soon as my heart stops trying to burst out of my chest, I'll get up & have some.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): Okay. Can I ask you a question?
Yukiko (to Hiiri): Yeah, sure.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): If you had to choose which side of the portal to stay on possibly forever, which side would you pick?
Yukiko (to Hiiri): Oh, um, I'm not sure. I mean, I like it here but, I always planned on going back after college. Don't laugh but I'd probably go to whichever side Victor & his family went. Stop making that face... Seriously, besides Mars being here, I've got no attachments to this place. But, Vincent & Poppy helped me... So, you know.
Hiiri (to Yukiko): Well, that didn't help at all.
Yukiko (to Hiiri): Sorry. Come on, let's go have some of this breakfast you made.
At Vincent & Poppy's apartment, West Piedmont:
Victor (to Nathaniel): Good morning. Do you want some coffee? It's fresh.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah. Thanks.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Are you still feeling poorly? No offense, but you look terrible.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Gee. Thanks. What do you care, anyway?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Alright! No need to get snippy. I was just asking.
Nathaniel (to Victor): I'm sorry, OK? I haven't been sleeping well, and it's too fucking early for this. Christ.
Vincent (to Victor): Good morning, child of mine. Oof! Look at that face. Don't pout. You'll survive sleeping without Yoyo just as you did before
Victor (to Vincent): It's not that. It's Nate. He'll act normal around me for a little bit, and he'll almost be nice, but then, he'll start acting like something was shoved up his arse sideways! I can't tell if he hates me or not.
Vincent (to Victor): Honestly, kiddo, I don't think he knows how he feels about you himself. There's more going on than he wants to admit. We'll just have to be patient with him. God knows your aunt had to be extraordinarily patient with me. I wasn't exactly a fully functioning young man when she found me, either. I just hope he'll let us help him.
A short time later:
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Good morning, Nate honey. Everything okay? You look a little irritated.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I'm fine. I'm trying not to be a dick to your son. Uh, sorry. Jerk. I'm trying not to be a jerk.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, that's nice of you... And, with that thought in mind, I have a little proposal for you. Feel free to say no, of course. But, would you be interested in learning how to fight? I mean, really fight. Not all this swishy sword lessons. I think it might do you some good & possibly help you with this anger you seem to have stored up. What do you think, honey?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Uh, I don't know. I guess. Heh. You really think it's a good idea to teach me how to hit someone?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, with your present attitude, I think it's more likely I'm going to have to teach you how to take a punch... One day, your knowing how to protect yourself might come in handy. Especially, if you're still planning on going off on your own.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Heh, heh. I can't argue with that. Despite all looks to the contrary, I can take a hit pretty OK... But, um, yeah. But, yeah. That's probably not a bad idea.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Good. Yoyo will be here in a little while for a sparring match and you can watch and then, you & I will begin your lesson. And, if you have your uncle's aptitude for this sort of thing. I may need your help with something.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Uh, yeah. OK. Sure. What do you need help with?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Some spy stuff, honey... We'll talk about it later.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Spy stuff? Oh... Uh. Right. Yeah.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Yes, honey. Your uncle has been trying to find out what's been going on back in Britannia with CLANNG. And, I had an idea... but, I don't want to ask you to help if I don't think you can protect yourself. So, first the lessons and then, we'll see.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Ooookay. Heh. Sometimes, I have a really hard time remembering this is reality & not something my broken brain has cooked up.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Sorry to disappoint you, honey, you're just as sane as the rest of us. :-P I need to go get the room ready for lessons. Feel free to join us when you're ready.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Um, yeah. Alright.
A little while later:
Yukiko (to Vincent): Hi there, Captain Potter. Is Miss Poppy here? I'm supposed to have my sword lesson, today.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Ooo! Cute new hair! And, please, hun, call me Vincent. I feel like an old enough man with all you teenagers running around. I'm going to keep asking you to do it until you do. :-P My wife should be in the practice room setting up.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Thank you for the compliment and I'm sorry, Cap-- Vincent, for calling you that. I guess, it's a bit of a habit. We were all taught to be polite & respectful to adults... Well, my sisters & I were, anyway.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Ooo! An adult! The horror! It's alright, hun. I think I can endure, but I honestly don't mind if you address me informally. Which also means you can tell me to go stuff myself if I tease you a bit too much. :-P
Yukiko (to Vincent): Oh, I don't think I could do that, but I'll keep that in mind. I should probably get to my lesson.
Vincent (to Yukiko): I won't keep you then. Have fun!
Poppy (to Yukiko): Hi there, honey. There's been a little change of plans. I've asked Nate to join us. So, we'll run through what you were supposed to be practicing for the last few days and then, I'll show you both some other styles. Okay?
Yukiko (to Poppy): Oh alright. (to Nathaniel) Hi, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Hey.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I'm a little bit surprised that you want to learn any of this stuff.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Aunt Poppy seems to be under the impression that my big, fat mouth is gonna get me into trouble. Can't imagine why.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): You can't? Hmmm, that seems a bit of a shock.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. You're alright, Yum Yum.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): That is not my name, Nat.
Poppy (to Yukiko & Nathaniel): Children, behave or I'll make you spar against each other.
Yukiko (to Poppy): I apologize, Miss Poppy.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Sorry. (to Yukiko) Alright, alright. I'm sorry, OK?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Fine. Apology accepted. I'm sorry for calling you Nat.
Poppy (to Yukiko & Nathaniel): I can see I have my work cut out for me. Nate, please take a seat on the floor somewhere & pay attention, while Yoyo goes through her forms. Yoyo, empty your mind and focus on the task at hand.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. OK.
Meanwhile, at Eep & Mouse's house, West Piedmont:
Hiiri: It is soooo boring here all by myself.
Jacob: Knock, knock. Eep? Mouse? Are you home? I just needed to drop off something for you from work. Hello?
Hiiri (to Jacob): Oh, hello. Can I help you?
Jacob (to Hiiri): I'm not sure. I'm looking for Mr. or Mrs. Estevez... are they here?
Hiiri (to Jacob): Not at the moment. I could take a message for them. I've got a notepad and everything.
Jacob (to Hiiri): Oh yes, that would be great. This came for Eep at work. I'm sorry to be staring... Do I know you? You look awfully familiar.
Hiiri (to Jacob): Um, me personally no. We've never met... I'll make sure he gets the package, Mister Rathbone.
Jacob (to Hiiri): Thank you very much. I've got to get home...
Hiiri: Shit.
Jacob: She looked so familiar. I wish I could place her face. Wait... How did she know my name?
Twenty minutes later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Jacob (to Victor): Hey there, Victor. Is your dad home?
Victor (to Jacob): Hello, Mr. Rathbone. Yes, he is. Do please come inside. I'll get him for you. (to Vincent) DAD! DAD!!
Jacob (to Victor): Thank you.
Vincent (to Victor): Good heavens, boy! This is not a large house. There is no need to bellow like a rancor... (to Jacob) Hello, Professor!
Jacob (to Viincent): Hello, Captain.
Vincent (to Jacob): What brings you to the questionable side of town? (to Victor) Thank you, Little Man. You can go eavesdrop elsewhere.
Jacob (to Viincent): I'm sorry to drop in unannounced, but I was just over at Eep & Mouse's and there's a strange little girl over there alone. She knew my name but said we'd never met, but she looked vaguely familiar to me. So, knowing that you always seem to have hand in the weird goings on around here, I thought I should drop by.
Vincent (to Jacob): Ah. Yes. Overly excitable, and looks about 15? She's staying with Yoyo while my sister and brother-in-law are out of town. Good heavens. This is going to take some explaining. Do you want anything to drink? We still have coffee and tea, I think.
Jacob (to Viincent): Yes, that would be her... Coffee would be great. Did Eep & Mouse adopt a teenage girl? I mean, he didn't say anything to me about it and he knows that Robert & I have... Why do I get the impression I'm not going to like what you have to tell me? You've got that look on your face.
Vincent (to Jacob): Mouse and Eep didn't so much end up with a wayward teen as much as Poppy and I did. ANOTHER wayward teen, that is. Now would probably be a good time to mention we have Nate, my biological brother's son staying with us. Unfortunately, I'm sure you remember the clones Hiiri commissioned Maladori to create for her. We thought there were three: one lived with Eep for months before she died, and one was gutted by the Hiiri that I killed. Apparently, there were four.
Jacob (to Viincent): Wait... So, that was Hiiri? ... At your sister's house? ... This is fucking insane.
Vincent (to Jacob): Calm down, Professor. Mouse knows who she is. So does Mars. My sister was the one who asked me to have her stay with Yoyo. She's got Hiiri's memories, as well as Mouse's. But, you saw her. She's FAR more like my sister than a killer automaton. She's a confused and lonely young girl.
Jacob (to Viincent): That may be true. But, why did no one think to, I don't know, mention it to me? I mean, I know we don't travel in the same circles as much as we used to, but it might have been nice to know that there was the potential of running into a clone of that horrid creature in town.
Vincent (to Jacob): I'm sorry, Jacob. You're right. I should have said something to you. I'm very, very sorry. It's been a trying few weeks. Director Carver is after Victor, which is why we're hiding out on this side. He sent that horrible little automaton of his to grab Yoyo a little while ago in an attempt to get him to hand himself over to CLANNG. Hence the sling.
Jacob (to Viincent): I had been hearing rumblings about CLANNG picking up portal jumpers. I haven't been wandering over there as much to be on the safe side. I'm sorry for snipping at you. It's been a stressful week or so for me, too... But, nothing as serious as what you've been dealing with, I imagine.
Vincent (to Jacob): I still should have warned you, Professor. You're a skipper, and could have been in trouble. I'm VERY sorry. Hiiri has been running from them for months. She said they have some kind of device that can track the energy of skippers.
Jacob (to Viincent): Do you think we're safe on this side?
Vincent (to Jacob): I think we're safer here than we are in Britannia. CLANNG doesn't have the same kind of resources here. And, honestly, the closer you are in vicinity to THIS group the less likely you are to be spotted as a skipper. Victor and Hiiri are ridiculously talented at that sort of thing, and then, of course, you have me, Poppy and Nate. Nate is a skipper as well, because NOTHING is ever easy with us, is it? I suppose it runs in the family. :-P
Jacob (to Viincent): Heh. So, Robert, the kids & I should just move in here with you all? :-P
Vincent (to Jacob): Hee hee hee. Yes. You may have to live on the patio, however. Between Victor, Nate, Yoyo and Hiiri, there's not much room at the inn. Speaking of our full house... (to Nathaniel) Hello, Nate. This is our friend Jacob. How did your sparring lesson with the missus go?
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Jacob): I didn't mean it! Honestly! It's not really my fault! I mean, it is, but I didn't... I didn't mean...
Jacob (to Nathaniel): What happened?
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Jacob): I might have... I mean, I kind of... I punched Aunt Poppy in the face! I mean, she was showing me how to... You know! Forms and stuff, and she was getting me riled up, and I... I don't know. I just threw a punch, and it just connected! I didn't expect... I mean, I didn't think I would actually... Oh fucking Christ... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I can... I can go. I'm sorry.
Jacob (to Nathaniel): Wow. I'm impressed. She & Mouse used to have me on the floor in under 5 minutes... You got very lucky, kid.
Nathaniel (to Jacob): I what?
Vincent (to Jacob): Hee hee. Not helping, Professor. (to Nathaniel) Calm down, Nate. Calm down! You're not headed anywhere.
Jacob (to Vincent): Heh. Sorry.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Sit down. My wife is the toughest person I know. I very much doubt you severely damaged her. (to Jacob) Could you get Bare Knuckles Nate here something to drink, while I go check on Poppy, hun?
Yukiko (to Vincent & Nathaniel): Excuse me, I've been sent into get some ice for Miss Poppy. (to Jacob) Hey Professor!
Vincent (to Yukiko): I've got it, sweetie. Thank you.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Okay.
Nathaniel: I am so dead. They're going to press charges. I'm going to be sent to God fucking knows where... I can't believe I hit Aunt Poppy...
Jacob (to Yukiko): Hi, Yoyo. It sounds like you've had an eventful morning. (to Nathaniel) Here, have some water and a chair.
Yukiko (to Jacob): Heh. Just a bit. (to Nathaniel) Nate, it's okay. Really. Miss Poppy wouldn't have been taunting you if she didn't want you to swing at her.
Jacob (to Yukiko & Nathaniel): It's true. That tiny woman is devious. She probably had a reason for doing it.
Nathaniel (to Jacob & Yukiko): It's just... what if they send me home? If I go home, my parents will... I can't go back again... I--I can't!
Jacob (to Nathaniel): They're not going to send you away. It was an accident. Besides, you were sparring. That's kinda what happens. Mouse was notorious for punching me in the face when we sparred. I almost thought she did it on purpose. And one time, Poppy punched me in the very same eye after it had just started to fade. I think I had a black eye for going on two months.
Nathaniel (to Jacob & Yukiko): I--I've never hit a woman before... I've never hit very many people before at all, actually, I just...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): It'll be fine, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Jacob): Oh... Oh shit! Who the fuck are you?! Just... back off, alright? (to Yukiko) You're not the one with a record, alright? Either I'm going to juvie, or one of those stupid fucking camps again...
Jacob (to Nathaniel): Whoa there. I'm just trying to help. I didn't mean anything by it. You looked like you were about to pass out. (to Yukiko) I'm going to head into the living room. I think I might be making matters worse. Ok?
Yukiko (to Jacob): That's fine, Professor. I think I've got it from here. Thank you. (to Nathaniel) Calm down, please. You're not going to a camp or jail. No one here would do that to you. It was an accident. I saw the look on your face after you connected, you were shocked. That's not the face of someone who meant to hit someone on purpose.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): No... No, I--I didn't. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak out on you.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'm not concerned about you freaking out on me... But, you certainly freaked out on Professor Rathbone.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Who? Oh. Oh! Shit. Right. Sorry. It kind of freaks me out when some guy I don't know is hovering behind me, I... Sorry.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Oh... It's okay.
Meanwhile, in Poppy & Vincent's bathroom:
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, lover. It sounds as though the sparring was eventful. I come bearing ice. Ooo. Your poor, gorgeous face!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. He punched much harder & wider than I was expecting, lover. I miscalculated a tad. It's no less than I deserve.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don't think he expected to hit you any more than you expected to be hit.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, well, clearly I shouldn't have pushed him like that. I just needed to know what he would do in that sort of situation. He's been slinking around here like a kicked puppy since his mother called. I was worried that there was more to it than what he had told me.
Vincent (to Poppy): What did you find out, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): I needed to know that he would defend himself. I think he almost believes that he's all those horrible things his family says he is. But, there's a part of him buried deep down that knows that it's not true and that it's their issues not his. How seriously upset is he? Should we go and ease his mind?
Vincent (to Poppy): He seemed more than a little upset, lover.
A moment later:
Poppy (to Jacob): Hi there, Professor. Thank you for helping, but it's probably best if you went home. It's nothing personal... There's just some issues. And, you might make Nate uncomfortable. You understand, right?
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh yes, of course. Maybe, once everything's sorted you all can come over for dinner. I know Robert would love to see you both. It's been too long.
Vincent (to Jacob): It HAS been. Thank you for understanding. Give our love to your brood.
Jacob (to Vincent & Poppy): I will. See you later.
Poppy (to Jacob): Bye, honey. (to Nathaniel & Yukiko) Hi there, sweeties. Yoyo, why don't you go find Victor? I know he'd love to see you. We need to chat with Nate.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. (to Nathaniel) It'll be okay. Honest.
A few moments later, in Victor's Room:
Yukiko (to Victor): Pssst. Victor, where are you hiding?
Victor (to Yukiko): Hello! I didn't realize you were finished. I'm in here. Heh. This bench has been in my closet forever. It's was my secret hiding place when I was a kid. How did the sparring go?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... It was fine. Right up to the point where Nate punched your mom in the face. On the one hand, I wanted to clap because I've never seen your mom get tagged by anyone before, but on the other hand, Nate looked petrified... Why are you hiding in here?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm not hiding. I was just giving everyone some space. Heh. I've never had to do that before. I didn't know what to do.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, can I join you?
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't know. It IS a super secret, awesome closet fort... Heh. Who the hell am I kidding. Get in here.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... Well, I didn't want to contaminate your super, secret awesome closet fort with my girl cooties without asking first.
Victor (to Yukiko): I like your cooties.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen:
Poppy (to Nathaniel): How you holding up, honey? Are you okay?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I'm OK. I'm sorry, I hit you. I wasn't... I mean, I didn't think that I was gonna... I'm sorry.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): It's alright, honey. It was just as much my fault as yours. And, it'll heal. We're not sending you away or anything, so you can stop worrying.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. OK... Thanks.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Really, honey, that's it? I look like Quasimodo's uglier sister and that's all you're going to say? I thought we had gotten past the whole elusive stage. Please, talk to us, Nate. Or would you prefer it, if your uncle were to leave the room?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Um, I--I don't know.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Everything is fine, kiddo. Don't worry.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Would you prefer to talk to him alone? I won't be offended.
Vincent (to Poppy & Nathaniel): I think I'm part of the problem, lover. Don't worry, Nate. I understand. Shout if you need me.
Poppy (to Vincent): I will, lover. (to Nathaniel) Now, I don't know about you, but I could certainly use a drink. Would you like anything?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): No. I mean, no thank you. My stomach is kinda crazy right now.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Fair enough... I know that adults, especially parents are not supposed to tell you that they have no idea what they're doing but, I honestly have no idea where to begin... I have an awkward question and I'm not quite sure how to ask you.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I made your face look like hamburger. I think you can skip all the niceties and go right the fuck to awkward. Oh. Um, sorry. I'm trying not to curse so much.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. Eloquent as always, honey... Alright, I'm just going to come right the fuck out with it. See, what I did there? :-P
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Heh. Yeah. I noticed.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): I've noticed that you're really uncomfortable around other men... Did someone sexually abuse you, honey? Feel free to tell me hell no if I'm way off base & out of line. But, the way you act around Victor & Vincent and then, around Jacob, it has me wondering. And, if that's the case, we will try to pay a little more attention to that. I want you to feel safe here. We all do.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I'm sorry. I know that no one... I mean, I'm sure no one will, um, you know, try anything. I can try to do better...
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, that's not what I'm trying to say. I don't want you to try to do better. I want to know if there's something we can do for you to make it easier for you to deal with it. I know that Vincent, Victor & Jacob won't do anything, but that doesn't mean we can't be a little more aware of your discomfort. No one wants to hurt you. And, we certainly don't want you to think that if you speak up or strike out against something that's wrong, you're going to be punished. If I had known about this sooner I would have handled things differently. I owe you an apology. I'm very, very sorry.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I... What? I don't... You didn't... I mean... Shit. I don't know what to say. I... You don't owe me anything. Really. It's fine. You didn't know. It's, um, not something I really wanna talk about, you know? There was, uh, there was a youth minister. From my dad's church. Kent. He was... I mean, it was fucked up. He was like 26, and I was 14. It wasn't right, but I... I never said no to anything, you know. It was later that... You don't wanna hear this. I'm sorry. Can we just... We can just put this behind us, right? I'm really sorry.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, we don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to... I'm very sorry you went through that. It wasn't your fault, you know? And, it sucks that you have had to deal with the consequences of someone else's actions... I just want you to know that for what it's worth, you can talk to me if you ever feel the need. I certainly won't force you to and I may make mistakes, but I promise that I'll listen & you don't have to deal with this shit on your own.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I--know. Thank you. Believe it or not, my parents sending me to all those hospitals did one good thing. I got counseling and all... But it's one thing to hear psychiatrists tell you something and something else when your family says something totally different. There was another guy. My age. When I was in one of grandpa's camps. It was...It was shitty. Sorry. It's alright. I'll be alright. I'm better than I was.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Yes, you are, but that doesn't mean you couldn't use a little help... If Vincent & I had known you were in that kind of situation, we would have come and gotten you, honey. But, when he cut off ties to his family for the last time, we stopped paying attention to them, completely... Come here, you. Don't make a face.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Sorry... Thank you. I didn't mean to make a face. Heh. You look kind of terrifying right now. I'm, um, I'm kidding. Thank you...
Poppy (to Nathaniel): You're a laugh riot, honey... Heh. Your inquisition is over. Feel free to go entertain yourself.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I think I'm just going to go lay down for a while, if it's alright. I just need to... I could use a nap, actually.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): I understand, honey. If you see my husband, will you ask him to come in here?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. Of course. ... (to Vincent) Um, Uncle Vincent? Aunt Poppy wants to see you in the kitchen.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Thank you, Nate. (to Poppy) Hey, lover. How did it go? Nate looked a little rough when he left. Oooo. So do you!
Poppy (to Vincent): Give me a hug please, lover... That poor kid. Can I just say once again that your biological family is absolutely awful? I know it wouldn't do any good, but I am sorely tempted to go find Nate's parents & give them a piece of my mind.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, sweetie... What happened? It's not what you thought it was, was it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Unfortunately, it was... Some youth minister & then a boy at one of those stupid camps. God. It just upsets me so much. At least, it explains a lot of things about his behavior... I have no words.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh good heavens! That poor boy. No wonder he was so adamant he didn't want to go back to one of my father's bullshit camps. I don't know how we can convince him to stay, but we can't let him wander off on his own.
Poppy (to Vincent): I agree, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Don't worry. We'll figure it out, sweetie.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, he feels protective over Hiiri, so maybe she can convince him to stay. I don't like the idea of any of them being off on their own. I know they're not our kids, but someone needs to watch over them.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, it doesn't matter if they're not biologically ours, hun. Heh. We've pretty much already adopted them, haven't we? And we're who they have, right now. If you don't mind me saying so, they could do worse. The Joneses, for example. ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): True, honey... Heh. I promise to never bring up the possibility of another child again. Apparently, the universe likes to teach me a lesson in triplicate. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Indeed. Look at it this way, we're here for these kids. If they're very, very lucky, some day they'll be staring into the eyes of a gorgeous, caring partner who says things like, "thank goodness for those crazy Potters. "I'm so glad they were there for you, so you're here now." You're a wonderful woman, you know that?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Are you flirting with me, Captain Potter?
Vincent (to Poppy): I might be trying, Miss Meriwether.
Poppy (to Vincent): How dare you, sir! I'm a happily married woman, I'll have you know. My husband is quite handy with a sword & quite handsome. I doubt you could compete.
Vincent (to Poppy): Really? Hmmm. Sounds dreamy. How does he feel about men?
Poppy (to Vincent): He likes them just fine, honey... There was this one gentleman in Budapest. Can't remember his name, but I was a little worried that he was going to run off with him. Heck, I would have run off with him, if he had liked women. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Run off with some scoundrel from Budapest when he had you at home? Good heavens! He sounds like he doesn't deserve you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do like scoundrels, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): You always need more scoundrels in your life...
A few hours later:
Hiiri: Oh god! Where am I? This isn't right... Oh. It's okay. I fell asleep. It's just dark outside. Okay, okay. It was just a bad dream. I'm okay. I can do this. Be by myself in a strange place. Filled with things that remind me that I'm a copy of someone... I don't know if I can do this.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Huh? Oh. Hiiri. Jesus. Sorry. I fell asleep. What's up?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I-- I don't think I can stay over there.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Stay where? What are you talking about? ... Where the fuck are you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): At the house... with Yoyo... I'm sorry. I can't do this. It's too painful. I'm not strong enough.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Alright. Calm down. You're strong enough, trust me. But you don't have to stay there. Want me to come get you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): ... Yes, please.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Don't freak. I'm... Yeah. I'm dressed. Head towards Poppy and Vincent's, and I'll meet you halfway, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Okay... I don't want to go back there. They won't send me away because I left Yoyo alone, will they?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): If they haven't kicked me out for being a douchebag, they're not gonna kick you out for getting scared. Besides, I think Yoyo is still over here.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't worry. It's all good, alright? I'm halfway there. Where are you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Sitting in the doorway of an ice cream shop.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): There you are! You look like some sort of... Hey, hey, hey! What the fuck, short stuff? You're OK! We're good.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You don't understand! SHE was in my head, telling me things in my sleep. Then, I woke up and there were all these photos of Mouse everywhere... I just can't be over there. Please, don't let them send me back there. I know, Yoyo needs the company, but I can't do it.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Shit. It's alright. You don't have to, OK? No one's gonna make you do anything you can't do. What do you wanna do? You wanna head back and watch some trashy TV? Or just wander around?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I-- I don't know. I don't care.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Let's take a walk. You're really fucking keyed up right now. When you feel a little better we'll head back.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Okay... Thank you.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): It's no big deal. After this we'll watch something stupid and shitty on TV. You wanna camp out in my room tonight?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, please.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Just no trying to feel me up in the middle of the night, OK? Hey. Hey! I was kidding. I trust you.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I don't know if you should, Nate... What if I'm like the other clones? And, it's just a matter of time before SHE takes over. It was months before the one that thought she was Mouse was triggered... I should just turn myself over to ISS or CLANNG. They would know what to do with me. I don't want to hurt anyone.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): So then don't. Look, the only one who can make you do any of that shit is you, right? If you don't wanna do it, REALLY don't wanna do it, you won't. Just cause you've got something shitty inside you, doesn't mean you'll do it yourself. I never started fucking or touching any other guys, you know? And I won't. If something starts happening you can't control... We'll deal with it then. Until then, it's just a bad dream, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Okay...
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Damn straight OK. Christ, Hiiri... You're like one of two people who is willing to put up with me. You really think you're all that nasty? That's like cause for sainthood right fucking there.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You're not that bad... jerkface.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah, well, you're crazy, apparently, so forgive me if I don't trust your opinion. Course, I'm severely emotionally fucked... So I can't be trusted either.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... Well, at least, we have each other.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. Well, there you go. We can keep each other in line. How are you feeling?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Better... Um, we're going to want to take a left up here. Those men ahead look like trouble, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh? Shit. Yeah. Alright, left it is.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Are they following us?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. We're alright. Just keep walking regular, and we'll step into the first open store we see, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Okay.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Do me a favor, shorty, and walk in front of me, OK? There's a bookstore right around this corner, isn't there?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I think so... what do you think they want?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Your ass, my ass, both our asses... Do we care? Here we go. That's it up ahead, right? Go, go, go, go! Quick.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm going, I'm going.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Is there a back door? We can slip out the back door. What is it?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm not sure...
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Come on. We're going out the back. I think I've punched enough people in the face today. I don't want to do it again.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Oof... Pardon me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah, yeah. Stow it. (to Hiiri) Come on. We're leaving.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): I wouldn't go out that way if I were you, Miss Hiiri. Those are ISS agents.
Hiiri (to Aiden): What!?! How on earth do you know that?
Aiden (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): Because, I've been following them since they left New London. I was curious about where they were going.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): And who the fuck does that make you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Aiden. Aiden Wilkes. My father is the director of the ISS. Don't worry, I'm a bit of a disappoint to him. My curiosity got the better of me, so here I am.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Aren't we all disappointments? Thanks for the head's up and all, but we're gonna go now, Mr. Belvedere.
Hiiri (to Aiden): So, are you going to turn me in?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Not at all... I'm here to help. Would it make you feel better, if I told you I know Miss Meriwether? She was an instructor of mine.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. And if you really were one of her students, I'd say you shouldn't expect it to, either.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Fair enough. I'll leave you to it, then. You might like to know that there's a containment team on their way. And, I happen to know a way out of here that will bypass them... But, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Goodbye.
Hiiri (to Aiden): Wait! Will you really help us?
Aiden (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): That's what I was trying to tell you. I work for Miss Meriwether.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What happens to us if this containment unit, or whatever, gets us?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): More than likely, you'll be interrogated and returned here. Miss Hiiri, however, will be incarcerated for her past crimes. The empire does not forget or forgive very easily... Despite all evidence to the fact that our young Miss here is not the woman who performed those evils... Someone has to be held responsible & punished. And, someone gave them, her as well as, where to find her.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Son of a bitch! That is fucking bullshit! She didn't DO anything... Alright, alright. Whatever. If you can be trusted, prove it. Get us the fuck out of here. (to Hiiri) If you need to get the fuck out of here, you know, the short way, go, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm not leaving you. This is my fault. Besides, if they know I can do it. They'll be prepared. Come on, let's go.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Just stick close, OK? I don't fucking trust this guy.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh. You don't trust anyone.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Well, I can't argue with that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Follow me. There's a basement in this building that connects to the one across the street. It was used for rum running and smuggling in the good ole days.
Hiiri (to Aiden): Thank you for the history lesson, but just walk faster, please.
A short time later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Lady & gentleman, we have come to the end of the tunnel. Miss Hiiri, if you will wait here. The two of us can check to make sure it's clear before you come out. (to Nathaniel) Unless, you have any objections?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): All kinds. Does it really matter if I do?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, it does. I just thought two pairs of eyes are better than one. You're more than welcome to wait.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Maybe... (to Hiiri) Do you want me to stay?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's okay. I'll be fine. It's not like you're going that far away or for very long.
Aiden (to Hiiri): Your young gentleman is very protective of you, Miss Hiiri. I assure you, he'll be alright. As will you. I promise.
Hiiri (to Aiden): He's not MY gentleman, but thank you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): We're related. Lead the way, Mr. Fancy Pants.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): As you wish...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What am I looking for?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Strange men, traveling in pairs. Burned out streetlights. Anything that strikes you as odd.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): In West Piedmont? You're gonna have to be more specific than just... Shit. Like those two?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes. Exactly, like those two... This is clearly going to be a bit more difficult than I originally thought. We need to do something before they get suspicious... Throw a punch.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? Fuck off!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Do you want to help Hiiri or not? Either you throw a punch or kiss me... Both will keep them away from here, so we can then get Hiiri out of the tunnel and away from them. So, your choice.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Fat fucking Christ... Fine! Come here then.
Hiiri: I'm just sitting in the dark... And, I'm singing a song... Trying not to worry about what's taking them so long... um, doo doo doo.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't see them. Are they gone?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Well, that was definitely much nicer than being punched... Yeah, they're gone... Let's get Hiiri.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No shit. Besides, everyone watches fights, dumbass. No one wants see people making out all over each other.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Fair enough. I don't think they covered that in a class, unless I was out that day. And, I just realized I have no idea what your name is... (to Hiiri) Miss Hiiri?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's Nate. (to Hiiri) Hiiri? Are you alright?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Yes, I'm fine. What took you so long? I was starting to worry.
Aiden (to Hiiri): Beg your pardon, Miss, there was a bit of a delay... We should go now. Quickly.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): There were two weirdos dressed like escapes from Dickens hanging around. Let's get the fuck out of here.
Twenty minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Hiiri): Jesus! There's the house. Thank fucking God. Come on!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Lead the way!
A few minutes later:
Aiden (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): Here we are. Safe & Sound. Everyone in one piece? Yes. Excellent. I should take my leave, then.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Uh, thanks. For your help.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): You're welcome. If you should see Miss Meriwether or her son, would you please give them my regards?
Hiiri (to Aiden): Wait. You can give them your regards, yourself. The least we can do is offer you a cup of tea before you go. (to Nathaniel) Right, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri & Aiden): Yeah. Sure.
Aiden (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): That's very nice of you.
Hiiri (to Aiden): Have a seat. I'll go make some tea. (to Nathaniel) Be nice.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yes, Mother.
Aiden (to Hiiri): Thank you, Miss Hiiri. (to Nathaniel) Heh. Is she always like that?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Pretty much.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Not much of a talker, are you? Or are you always like this after you've made out with a stranger in an alley?
Poppy (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Who has been making out with strangers in alleys? (to Aiden) Aiden, is that you? What are you doing here, honey? I thought your father put you under house arrest for that stunt you pulled at the French Embassy.
Aiden (to Poppy): How was I to know that the wife of the Italian ambassador didn't know that he was sleeping with his assistant? She was wearing his cologne. It was hardly my fault.
Poppy (to Aiden): Yes, and knowing something & blurting it out in public are two totally different things, honey.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Poppy): Heh. (to Poppy) Hiiri and I got followed by some... Uh, I don't even know. Weirdos. He said they wanted to arrest Hiiri!
Poppy (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh... That's not good. I've been a little out of the loop since I've been over here. It might be time to fix that problem. Our Hiiri has nothing to do with all of that.
Aiden (to Poppy): I agree. And since you asked me to keep an ear out, when the warrant was posted & the men were sent I followed them here.
Poppy (to Aiden): Well, thank you for your help, honey. I'd say go pop your head in & say hello to Victor, but I have a feeling he's still indisposed... (to Nathaniel & Aiden) And, judging by the noise in the kitchen, Hiiri could use some help. Please, excuse me. (to Hiiri) Hiiri dear, please don't destroy my kitchen.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... And then, there were two. Again.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I have that effect on a crowd.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's a good party trick, I'll give you that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. It's a great talent to have if you really hate parties.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, but I do. Especially when they're filled with arrogant blowhards… So, you never answered my question.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What question?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I believe I had inquired if you were always quiet after making out with a stranger in an alley or simply not much of a talker?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Look, normally, I'd be great company. Well, no I wouldn't, but I'd be GREAT at faking being good company. But today's been a really fucked up day.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I beg your pardon, then. I'm often being scolded for my lack of tact.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Don't worry about it. It was weird before I met you.
Poppy (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Here we go, sweeties. Tea and some nice biscuits. (to Hiiri) Thank you, Hiiri, for your help.
Hiiri (to Poppy): You're welcome. (to Aiden) Thank you for helping us. (to Nathaniel) Can I go lay down in your room? I'm really tired.
Aiden (to Hiiri): It was my pleasure, Miss Hiiri. And, thank you for the tea & biscuits.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I don't mind. (to Poppy) Um, Aunt Poppy, can Hiiri stay here? She kinda freaked out being at Emma's.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Of course, it's fine with me. (to Hiiri) Honey, you don't need to ask. This is your home, now.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Poppy): Thank you. I'll be okay.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Poppy): Since, it looks like everyone is getting ready to retire. I should take my leave. Miss Poppy, it was a pleasure as always. Nate, it was nice to meet you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm sure I was a pleasure. Thanks. For helping us.
Poppy (to Aiden): Thank you again for rescuing my wayward family members. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon, honey.
Aiden (to Poppy): Of that, I have no doubt. (to Nathaniel) You are very welcome. Good night.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Well, I have to say that Aiden was the absolute last person that I expected to see on this side of the portals.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Why's that?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): He's a good guy, don't get me wrong, honey. He's incredibly observant & would make a wonderful agent. He just always seems a bit bored and uninterested about most things. His father often refers to him as a shiftless layabout. Something must have really gotten his attention to feel the need to wander this way. But, I guess we should be glad it did. Otherwise, Hiiri would be on her way to New London right now.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): He was trying to get me to punch him in the alley.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): What on earth for, honey?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): There were two guys near the entrance to some tunnel we were hiding Hiiri in.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, judging by his face, honey, you either punched him much lighter than me or you figured out something else... hmmm?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Everyone watches fights. It's not the most effective way to make people look the other way.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. That is true, honey... Should I bother asking what you did instead or should I just fill in the blanks?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): You're saying that like you didn't already fill in the blanks. Um... how is your face feeling?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's the darndest thing, honey, it feels as if someone punched me... It's a little sore, but it's fine. I'll be fine... You should probably check on Hiiri. I think it's been a rough day for all of us, but her especially. Poor thing.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry again...
Poppy (to Nathaniel): It really is okay, honey. I'll live. I'll see you in the morning. Heh. If you want to make it up to me, I like my eggs scrambled, my bacon slightly crisp & my toast golden. Good night. Ow... I shouldn't make that face. :-P
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Heh. Alright. I'll try to remember that. (to Hiiri) Hey, Hiiri? Are you asleep?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): No. My stupid brain won't shut up. I've been laying on the floor in the dark, wishing it would stop.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Well, get off the fucking floor, you weirdo. It's cold. Come on. Get up on the bed. What issues are your brain giving you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Just thinking, worrying, wondering. You name it, my brain seems to be doing it... Did Aiden leave or is he talking to Poppy?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No, he left finally.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Do you not trust him simply because he's a guy or because he showed up out of nowhere?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm glad he showed up when he did... And, I thought he was cute. I wonder, if he likes girls. How old would you say he is? 20? 21? I wonder if he likes younger women, if he likes girls.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I'm not sure how old he is, and I have no idea if he likes girls, but judging by the way he kisses, he likes boys at least.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... When did you see him kiss a boy?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): When we were trying to distract the Dickens Police Patrol. I had the option of kissing or punching him.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): And, because you think he's cute, you chose the kissing option... Well, that's just typical. All the boys I like are gay. I should stop liking people. I should get a cat. I can be a crazy cat lady. I don't think there's an age requirement.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Because I don't wanna punch someone in the face, I automatically think he's cute? And you don't know he's gay.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): So, you don't think he's cute? You act like you want to punch Victor all of the time, so clearly if you don't act snarky & want to punch Aiden, then you must have thought he was cute... Though, you did say that Victor with shirt off was kinda hot. So, maybe I'm just grasping at straws. My brain is in overdrive. I'm exhausted, but I don't want to sleep.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I NEVER said Victor with his shirt off was hot. I said it was uncomfortable.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Why else would it be uncomfortable? It's not like he's got man boobs or a beer gut.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Christ... You... Jesus. Yes, alright? If he weren't fucking related to me, and were ANYONE else, he *might* be hot. And yes, if you MUST know what I think, Aiden is cute. I just... I don't know. I think he enjoyed himself more than I did.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well, that's a little disappointing. He might be gay & a bad kisser? Aren't there laws against that sort of thing? Next time, you need a cute boy kissed as a distraction, I'll gladly take one for the team. :-p
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No. You'd be shocked to know there aren't laws against being a bad kisser. He wasn't that awful. I just wasn't in the mood. And I still wasn't sure I trusted him to to stab us both in the gut. Next time, I'll gladly let you do it.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's a deal... Can I sleep here on the bed with you, tonight? I promise I won't do anything weird.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah, if you want. I don't mind sleeping on the floor, you know. Of course, it's not like you're gonna take up a whole shit ton of space on the bed.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): To be honest, I wouldn't mind the closeness of sharing the bed. Besides, nothing's going to happen between us.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Much to your never ending dismay, I'm sure. Let's get some sleep. I'll grab another blanket.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, I'm pining for you, clearly... Good night, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Night.
