Hiiri: Well, this is certainly interesting...
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): What? What do you want now?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, it's nothing much. Where might the little people keep the weaponry... Nate?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): The little people? What the hell are you talking about, you weirdo?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You know, Squeakers & the Fancy lad, tough guy. I have some business to take care of elsewhere.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I don't know where they keep jack shit. You know that.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): That was the absolute wrong answer.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah, yeah. I'm an idiot. Why the fuck do you... What are you doing?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Hush. I'm thinking... You clearly are of no use to me.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hiiri... You're freaking me out. What are you... JESUS! Where did you get that shit? Hiiri... Hiiri, listen to me. What are you doing? Put that away, OK. It's alright. You're alright, right? It's me.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh, is that supposed to appeal to my "humanity"? That's adorable... You mean nothing to me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go have a little tête á tête with my former protégé. He has some explaining to do. Damn. SHE'S not letting me skip... Little Hiiri, you best let me go. Things could get very ugly for you.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hiiri? HIIRI! You're not going anywhere. I--I don't know what you're trying to do, but you can't... Christ! What the FUCK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's Nate, right? Let me use small words so you can understand. I want to leave right now & this little mistake is not letting me. So, kindly tell her to relinquish control over the body or I'll shoot you. Understand? Or do I need to use smaller words?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You... You WHAT? What the... Oh. You're the--the whatever, huh? The big, bad scary Hiiri, right? The one in her head? Eat me! I'm not telling her jack fucking shit. Go fucking threaten someone who gives a rolling rim job.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Fine, if that's how you want to play this... Nate, I'm sorry. I'm trying to fight her, but she's really strong... Hush you. Get out of here! I don't want to hurt you.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hiiri? Is that you in there? Jesus Christ! Tell this psycho to go to hell! I know you're in there! I'm not going to leave you alone with that... Um... Whatever. I'm not leaving you by yourself to deal with this! Just... Gimme the gun, Hiiri. You told me you don't wanna be this person. Don't be this person. Gimme the gun.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm trying... This is very touching. A broken boy trying to help a broken toy. It's like a fairy tale. Almost makes me cry.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. That's me, A fucking Lifetime movie of the goddamned week. Give me the gun, Hiiri.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): And, if she gives you the gun, loverboy, what do you intend to do with it? Shoot me? I highly doubt it. Here, take it... I hardly need it to be rid of you.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Loverboy? Yeah. You know me real fucking well... Thank you. So what are your plans for me, psycho? You gonna kill me?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I haven't quite decided... Clearly, SHE cares about you, which makes me want to get rid of you. But, you might come in handy.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Sure. Whatever. If you're gonna try something, crazy ass, go ahead. Do a bunch of people the favor. If not, then get the fuck out of my friend!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's not as simple as that... Nate, use the number 2 setting on the gun. It'll knock her out. Please... Hush you.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I--I'm not gonna fucking shoot you!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Get help then... Yes, bring the little goody two shoes in here. I've missed them so much. I believe I owe my little brother a present...
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No! You stay right fucking there! The number two setting? Shit... This won't kill you, right? You'll be OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh. You don't have the guts to shoot your little friend, even with me here. Oh, this is so cute.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Of course I don't, you fucker! She's my best friend! Shit, she's my only fucking friend!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well then, Nate. I'll give you a choice. Either let me go & say goodbye to your little friend or shoot me. Because, as soon as I can wrestle full control over this body from the littlest Hiiri, I will kill you. Just so she can watch her only friend die at her own hands. And then, I'll go say hello to my little brother and family.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Shit! Hiiri? Hiiri! Jesus, please be OK. Please, please, please be OK!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Huh? Nate? Where am I? Why am I laying on the floor? Ow.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh god! You're OK? Jesus! I'm sorry! I shot you with this, this whatever the fuck it is! I--I thought I killed you!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, you're squeezing me a little tight. Can't breathe. It's a teslaracht, it's shoots an electrical charge. On that setting it's just mildly uncomfortable but at this rage, it can knock people unconscious. I thought it might work. Ow... That is not pleasant at all. Are you okay? She didn't hurt you, did she? I'm so sorry.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Sorry. What? No, I... No. She kept threatening to, but she never actually moved. I... I'm sorry. I didn't want... I'm sorry I shot you. She said she was gonna make you kill me and then your family ...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I was fighting her, Nate. I wouldn't let her hurt you or anybody... I think I need help. She might still be in there. What if I can't stop her next time? I should go away.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't you fucking da-... I mean, please don't leave. If you go, it's just you and her. That'll make you break. This is my fault, right? Cause I was being such a dick to you yesterday? I made you feel all nuts? I won't do that again. I swear to fucking god. I'll behave. Just...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, it's not your fault. Calm the fuck down! I've been having bad dreams for weeks.Ever since I woke up in fact. Please, don't freak out on me... It'll be okay. I'll be okay... We're going to be okay. Alright?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You're right. Sorry. I just... heh. I never shot anyone before. I'm just a bundle of bullshit right now. I'm fine. We're OK.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You did good, Tex... Maybe, we should ask Poppy to give you shooting lessons? That might come in handy... Don't look at me like that! I'm serious. You may have to shoot me again... Heh. You're the first boy I kissed & I'm the first person you shot. It sounds like a terrible movie plot... Okay, okay. I'm just teasing you. I'm still a little freaked out.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Me too... Look, um, I know I begged you to stay earlier, and I meant it. You should stay here. With the government and CLANNG after you, this is the safest place. Plus, you need people, Hiiri. More than anyone. But I'm not exactly a roadmap to mental stability right now, and if you need me to give you some breathing room, I'll resurrect my original plan for New York--or, someplace.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Wait... Why would you leave me alone, now? You can't go away. You just said I need people & then, you talk about going. You're the only one I can talk to about this stuff, Nate. If I tell Poppy, Vincent or even, Victor about what just happened, chances are, they're going to make me leave or send me to someone. I know what happened to the last clone that had "help". She died in agony in a cell. I don't want to go through that. Please, don't leave. I know, Poppy & Vincent will be fine with you staying.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): She... she what? Jesus... OK, OK. Calm down. I figured I'd only make... It doesn't matter. I'm not going anywhere, alright? We'll figure it out. Don't worry.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thank you, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. Um, yeah. Don't thank me just yet. I did just fucking shoot you.
A short time later:
Aiden (to Poppy): Good day, Miss Meriwether. I'm sorry to bother you, but I think you may want to get over to ISS as quickly as you can.
Poppy (to Aiden): Why? What's going on, Aiden? I'm not at all comfortable going there without knowing what I'm walking into.
Aiden (to Poppy): It's Carver, ma'am. He and a small group of CLANNG officers have just walked into the building & are making themselves quite at home. I'm not really sure what's going on.
Poppy (to Aiden): Aiden honey, I highly suggest you get the hell out of there, right now. Grab what files you can on Hiiri & get over here. I have a feeling the other shoe is about drop.
Aiden (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. But, what about my father & the other agents in the building?
Poppy (to Aiden): Hopefully, they're doing the same thing, honey. Help who you can, but just get out. I'll see what, if anything, I can find out from over this way.
Aiden (to Poppy): Alright.
Poppy (to Vincent): Wake up, lover! We're going to need to go speak to Jacob, right now.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmm? I'm up, I'm up! What's going on?
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, Aiden just sent word that something is going on at the ISS. Carver has just set up shop there with a goon squad.
Vincent (to Poppy): What?! That's insane! Even for Carver! Good heavens... What the hell is going on over there? I'm dressed! Let's go. I hope the Professor will forgive the early morning wake-up call. What should we tell the kids?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm thinking the truth would be a good idea, honey. Besides, I told Aiden to grab the files on Hiiri & come here. So, it will be fairly obvious when he arrives.
Vincent (to Poppy): The truth it is. I'll let them know what's going on.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, I'll finish attempting to get a hold of my contacts in New London & join you in a few minutes.
Vincent (to Hiiri, Victor & Nathaniel): ATTENTION TEENAGERS! FAMILY MEETING IN THE LIVING ROOM!
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh god, they know!
Vincent (to Hiiri, Victor & Nathaniel): WOULD ALL TEENAGERS KINDLY MEET ME IN THE LIVING ROOM?!
Victor (to Vincent): What on earth are you shouting about now?
Hiiri (to Vincent & Victor): Um, Good morning?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): What the fuck is going on? I almost had a heart attack.
Vincent (to Hiiri, Victor & Nathaniel): Sorry for the cattle call, kids. I wish I could sugarcoat this, but I can't. It's CLANNG. They've invaded the ISS headquarters in New London. Apparently Carver himself is involved. We've asked Aiden to grab as many of Hiiri's files as he can, and get himself here.
Hiiri (to Vincent): Oh... What do you think it means?
Vincent (to Hiiri, Victor & Nathaniel): We're not sure, hun, but whatever it is, it's not good. Something big has been brewing politically, and unfortunately, it looks like all of us, as portal skippers, are going to be involved. We need you three to be extra safe and stay here, OK?
Victor (to Vincent): Dad! What about Yoyo?
Vincent (to Victor): She's fine where she's at, kiddo. Mouse's house is perfectly safe... You don't care, do you?
Victor (to Vincent): Not even slightly.
Vincent (to Victor): Alright. Go. If she wants to stay with you lot, she can, but BE QUICK about it, and don't open any portals! We all need to lie low for a little bit. (to Nathaniel & Hiiri) Are you two alright? Don't worry. We'll all be fine.
Hiiri (to Vincent): Yes, we're fine... I was just worried it was something else. It's not important.
Vincent (to Hiiri): I know this isn't really the time, sweetie, but I wanted to say this to you: I know, when you first woke up, you were captured by CLANNG, you called us and asked us for help. We didn't. I know it sounds hallow to say "if I had known then what I know now," but I want you to know that'll never, EVER happen again.
Hiiri (to Vincent): Oh... Thank you. It's okay. Honest. I don't blame you for not helping me. You didn't know. I was still not quite myself at the time. And, a lot of the first few weeks are a bit of a blur.
Vincent (to Hiiri): I know, hun. I just wanted to let you know we are very sorry, and I don't want you worrying that it would happen again.
Hiiri (to Vincent): Ummm... I know, you have a lot on your mind right now, but I should probably tell you something... (to Nathaniel) Don't make that face. They need to know.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): They don't need to know that! (to Vincent) Hiiri and I kissed! She thought she had kind of a crush on me. It turns out that making out with gay boys isn't as intriguing as she thought it might be.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I am so going to kill you... I can't believe you blurted that out. (to Vincent) I am so embarrassed.
Vincent (to Hiiri): Hee hee. It's alright, sweetie. Believe me, I've done FAR stupider things in my life than that.
Hiiri (to Vincent): I-- I don't know what to say to that.
Vincent (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): Don't look so mortified. I live in hope this will be the largest problem you two face for a long while.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. Me too.
Vincent (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): Unfortunately, it's unlikely in this family, isn't it? :-P We'll be back soon. Stay safe.
Hiiri (to Vincent): Yes, sir. (to Nathaniel) I can't believe you told him that.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): What? You were gonna tell him about what happened earlier! Look, if you want to tell them what happened with... you know. We can. I'll do it with you, if you want, but... Just not now. They're already freaked out about this whole Clong thing. Let's tell them when things calm down a little, so they react rationally and all. OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, you're right. I'm sorry.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): It's alright. We're alright, OK?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Ok... I'm going to go lay down for a little bit. Wake me up, if you need me.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I will. Take it easy.
An hour or so later, at Robert & Jacob's house, East Piedmont:
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Well, hello there, strangers. What brings you to East Piedmont?
Poppy (to Jacob): We need to talk to you, honey. Do you have a moment?
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): For the two of you, sure. You're actually in luck, I'm on my own at the moment. Come on in. Would you like something to drink?
Vincent (to Jacob): We wish it were more of a social call, Professor
Poppy (to Jacob): No, thank you, honey. We don't really have a lot of time.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh well, alright. What can I do for you, then?
Vincent (to Jacob): CLANNG has invaded the ISS. Director Carver is personally involved. We've noticed the Empress has been handing down some unusually harsh edicts lately. Do you have any idea what might have changed or be going on behind the scenes? Basically, heard any interesting rumors lately?
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Well, Victoria is being pressured to get married by her mother, her advisors and Parliament. They think she has been rather lax with pirates, smugglers and the like. Parliament is blaming it on the fact that she's a woman & has always romanticized those types of people. Her mother is trying to get her engaged to a particularly boring Duke, who will allow her to continue to run the country unhindered, but Victoria's advisors have been suggesting she marry a royal from one of the empire's neighboring countries. Parliament has been trying to grab more power for themselves & has been building a larger military force, as of late. Victoria's worried that they're planning to go to war with someone. And, I had heard a rumor that one of the Parliamentary leaders had been making a deal with CLANNG in regards to giving them more authority in the empire... But, I thought it was just hearsay until now.
Poppy (to Jacob): Oh, that is not good at all.
Vincent (to Jacob): Shit.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): So, do you think CLANNG taking over the ISS is connected to Victoria's betrothal problems?
Poppy (to Jacob): I'm going to say yes, honey.
Vincent (to Jacob): And, hence her highness's crackdown on anyone even loosely associated with CLANNG. Dammit.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): So, do you need me to do anything? Or is passing along rumors enough? I can keep my ears out for news.
Poppy (to Jacob): Just stay safely on this side, honey. I don't think you want to get mixed up with this nonsense. But, if you happen to hear anything that might be of interest to us. We would appreciate a heads up. And, thank you for the information. It suddenly answers a lot of my questions.
Vincent (to Jacob): And give our love to Robert and the kids. Let us know if you need anything.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Will do and please be careful. I know all this stuff is normal for you two, but we still worry about you.
Vincent (to Jacob): We'll be careful. We've got not one, but four teenagers to worry about at home these days.
Poppy (to Jacob): That's very sweet, Jacob. But, we'll be fine. See you later. (to Vincent) Speaking of which, we should really get back there. Who knows what havoc they've wrought while we've been gone.
Vincent (to Poppy): I shudder to think. (to Jacob) Later, tater.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): So long, you two!
A few moments later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, honey, what is our course of action? I mean, we're probably safe on this side, but I worry about Bernard, Molly & the kids with CLANNG running around with the Empress' and/or Parliament's blessing.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know, hun. Especially now that CLANNG knows Persephone is connected to Victor and to us. I wish I had an answer.
Poppy (to Vincent): I suppose I'll have to send Percy to watch over them. Molly won't leave that damn Inn & Bernard won't leave her. Those lovable stubborn asses. I may also have to send Aiden that way. He'll probably need a place to hideout as well... When did we turn into the depot for wayward children, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. I'm not sure. I think it's all that good karma we've had over the years cashing in. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. Too true, lover.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Victor (to Aiden): Oh. Hello, Aiden. Please come inside. I'm glad you were able to make out! Are you alright? You know Nate. This is Yoyo Kobayashi, my girlfriend.
Aiden (to Victor): It was fine. I disguised myself as a janitor taking out the garbage. No one wants to bother people with refuse... (to Nathaniel) Nice to see you again, Nate. (to Yukiko) Miss Kobayashi... You wouldn't happen to be related to Daisuke Kobayashi, by any chance?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm sure.
Yukiko (to Aiden): Unfortunately. Has he done something horrible?
Aiden (to Yukiko): Not as of yet... It would seem that he has joined the ranks of CLANNG & is sporting quite the attractive scar & automatronic arm.
Yukiko (to Aiden): Oh... Well, that's too bad.
Victor (to Aiden & Yukiko): Really? Good. He deserves both. I'm sorry. I shouldn't speak ill of your brother. Even if he did deserve it.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's alright, Victor. I'm the one that did it to him.
Victor (to Yukiko): And I still say he deserved it. (to Nathaniel) Hang around with us long enough, Nate, and you may get a file of your own.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Be still my fucking heart.
Aiden (to Victor, Yukiko & Nathaniel): I was asked to bring Miss Hiiri's files & while, I was at it I also grabbed your parent's. I assumed that you wouldn't want CLANNG getting a hold of any of this information. If I had known that Miss Kobayashi was going to be here, I would have grabbed hers as well.
Victor (to Aiden): Thank you, Aiden.
Yukiko (to Aiden): Wait... Why do I have an ISS file? I've never done anything.
Nathaniel (to Victor, Yukiko & Aiden): What are y'all talking about? What kind of files?
Aiden (to Yukiko, Nathaniel & Victor): The ISS is the Imperial Secret Service, Nate. They have files on "people of interest". Not just criminals. If they think you might come in handy as an informant or an operative, they have a tendency to keep an eye on you. Miss Kobayashi has connections to organized crime through her family. Not to mention, her family moved to Britannia under the guise of asking for 'asylum'. And, she attends school here with a recommendation by Mister Rathbone & the Empress. It makes her extremely interesting.
Yukiko (to Aiden, Victor & Nathaniel): I'm not sure if I should be flattered or concerned that all that makes me interesting...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You sure seem to know a lot about her.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I've read her file... I was one of the agents that brought in her parents.
Yukiko (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): That's... uh, that's kind of a shitty thing to tell her, you know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Is it? (to Yukiko) My apologies.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): You don't have to defend me, Nate. But, thank you. (to Aiden) It's fine.
Victor (to Yukiko): Yoyo? Will you help me make tea? I don't know about everyone else, but I know I could use something to eat.
Yukiko (to Victor): Of course.
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Sorry to deprive you of her company, gentlemen.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Victor (to Yukiko): Thank you. I thought you might need a break from Aiden. He can be a bit much sometimes. Most times, actually.
Aiden (to Victor): It's a cross we shall have to bear.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. It reminded me of those awkward dinners my parents used to throw, where I was reminded that a lady should be seen and not heard. Being bored to death & forced to smile while my mother pointed out my nice qualities to potential suitors... He's strangely interesting but mildly horrid. Just like those parties.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. That is the most accurate description of Aiden I've ever heard. Don't worry. We can hide out in here for a while. I suppose I'll have to go rescue Nate from him sooner or later. Oh! Heh. Well, if you're going to keep doing that...
Yukiko (to Victor): Do you think it was a good idea to leave Nate alone with him?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I think Nate can handle himself. Aiden doesn't know anything about him, and for all his attitude and foul language. He doesn't talk much about himself. It might keep Aiden interested long enough to keep from being too awful.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, enough about the two of them... You make the tea & I'll make some lunch.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Or you could distract me some more. I wouldn't mind.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. I think that could be arranged.
Meanwhile, back in the living room:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): How is Miss Hiiri doing today? I'm surprised she isn't perched somewhere ready to pounce.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): She's not feeling well.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That is too bad. I was hoping to say hello.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah well, too bad. It's been a rough couple of days. She probably doesn't need you recounting every shitty thing that's in that file of hers right now, OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I beg your pardon. Have I done something to offend you, Nate? I know that I was a little tactless with Miss Kobayashi but it certainly was not my intention to upset her. Nor would I want to hurt Miss Hiiri. Clearly, you have decided to make me out as some sort of villain... I'll just go. If you would let Miss Meriwether know I was here per her instructions, and that I was called away, I'd be grateful. Tell Victor, thank you for the offer of tea. Good day.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Jesus! Sit down, alright? Sit down, please. If Aunt Poppy asked you to stay, you should. Don't got getting yourself hurt or something, just because I'm in a foul-ass mood. I'm ALWAYS in a foul-ass mood, alright? It was a long night last night, and it's been a fucked up couple of days, and I'm more on edge than usual.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I apologize for my part in it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Believe me, you were the least weird part of it. Don't get all butt-hurt because I'm a jerk.
Several hours later:
Victor (to Hiiri & Nathaniel): Nate? Hiiri? Are you guys in here? There's supper if you're hungry.
Hiiri: Huh? Did someone say something?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. Hey. It was Victor. He wanted to know if we wanted something to eat. There's probably still food if you want some.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm not really hungry. Have I been asleep for long?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Most of the day. You missed Aiden and everything. Actually, he might still be here. I haven't really been mingling.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Have you been in here watching me sleep, you perv?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yes. I've been in here collecting strands of your hair and toenail clippings. I was fucking worried about you.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): People will say we're in love... I'm fine. Honest. Well, better than I was. Though I feel like I could sleep some more. Did you get yourself some dinner? No sense in both of us not eating.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Ugh. If collecting toenails is how hetero people show their affection for each other, I'm glad I'm a fag. Get some more sleep if you're still tired. I'll get something later. I'm not sure I can handle the Potter clan right now.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Why? What's been going on?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Nothing happened, I just... I feel raw, and I'm being fucking insufferable, so I'm staying out of the way. I nearly drove Aiden out of the house with my attitude. You've gotta be a special kind of dick to annoy a spy.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... Will you talk to me while I curl up & try to fall back to sleep?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): If you want. What do you want me to talk you about?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I don't know. Tell me about something you like. You've gotta like something. You can't possibly hate everything that's out there.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You're banking on that, are you? I dunno. I like the usual stuff, I guess. Movies, music, that kinda shit. Heh. I guess the dorkiest thing I like is mysteries. I fucking love mysteries, especially old, British ones.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heehee, that is super dorky.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't I fucking know it? I've watched every version of Sherlock Holmes I could get my hands on as a kid.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I don't care about that sort of thing. Tell me something real. Like, a favorite moment or the first time you discovered something new.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): A favorite moment, huh? Mmm... When I was a kid, this brother and sister about my age moved in down the street.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): And? ... I'm totally cuddling up on you so be warned. You're warm.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. If you want. I think we were like 10 or 11, probably too old to be carrying on like we did, but Marie, the sister, She had this series of books that she loved about a family that had discovered a whole troop of mythical creatures, fairies and gnomes and shit living in their house and in the woods, so we spend all summer looking for secret doors, fairy rings & that kind of shit in the woods. We caught frogs & fish & crawdads, tried to build the SHITTIEST tree fort...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Did you ever find anything?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No. Of course not. I thought I did, I was... Oh. I guess I wasn't delusional, was I? Heh. Maybe I did.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh, Thank you for the story. And, thank you for being my friend, Nate... It means a lot. I'm going to go to sleep now.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hmmm? Yeah. Night...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Night.
