Victor (to Yukiko): Good morning. I'm not calling too bright and early, am I?
Yukiko (to Victor): No... Is it early? I have no idea what time it is. God, why is it so bright in here? What on earth am I wearing?
Victor (to Yukiko): It's not that early, but you were a bit worse for wear last night. I didn't wake you, did I? Heh. I'm not sure what you're wearing. If you have on what you had on when I came over last night, I think you wrapped your curtains around you like a kimono.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... Yes, I did. I remember now. You didn't wake me, I was laying here trying to decide if I could get up to make tea. I'm sorry if I was acting like an idiot, last night. I think I just reached my family annoyance quota for the millennium.
Victor (to Yukiko): I think that's understandable. I was going to get some coffee. Do you want me to pick you up some tea as well?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, you don't have to do that... But, I wouldn't say no. Ooo... Getting up, bad idea. I think I'll stay right here. I feel like I should apologize for something, but I can't quite remember what...
Victor (to Yukiko): Um, it's probably because you were sick a couple of times.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, that's not embarrassing at all... I'm surprised you still want to talk to me after all of that.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sorry you're embarrassed, but it wasn't that big of a deal. Honestly. Ask Seph about the first time she gave me some of her dad's gut-rot. She delights in telling the tale. In vivid detail.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm very lucky that you are such a wonderful boyfriend. Oh... Please, don't tell me anymore. I'm still feeling queasy. The idea of gut rot just sounds absolutely awful.
Victor (to Yukiko): It's as awful as it sounds. Are you sure you don't want me to bring you anything? It's no trouble.
Yukiko (to Victor): On second thought, if you could bring me a green tea. I would love you forever.
Victor (to Yukiko): Really? For bringing you green tea? I don't know if I should be excited or upset that your standards are so low. ;-)
Yukiko (to Victor): They're only low because it's you. Anyone else and I'd be demanding the moon and baked goods.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'll see you soon. I'll come bearing tea.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Where are you headed? Off to steal another airship?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Yes. That is clearly what I'm about to do.
Nathaniel (to Victor): No need to be sarcastic about it. Damn.
Victor (to Nathaniel): I can't imagine why I treat your attempts to either annoy me or ingratiate yourself to me with disdain. It's a mystery.
Nathaniel (to Victor): You know, saying shit like would get you smacked by certain members of our family.
Victor (to Nathaniel): How fortunate for me I've never met those particular members of our family then.
A short time later, on the Piedmont School of Arts & Science campus, West Piedmont:
Marlena (to Yukiko): Hey Yoyo, are you alive? You were looking a little worse for wear when I left yesterday.
Yukiko (to Marlena): I think I'm feeling a bit better than I was earlier. Victor is coming over with some green tea, which should help.
Marlena (to Yukiko): Well, if your boyfriend has it under control than I'll leave you alone. But, if you need anything, give me a holler.
Yukiko (to Marlena): Thanks, Mars.
Marlena (to Yukiko): Oh, and before I forget. Mom wanted to let you know that the guest room is all set.
Yukiko (to Marlena): Oh god, I almost forgot. I have to be out of my dorm this week.
Marlena (to Yukiko): Yeah, that's why I'm reminding you. I gotta run to turn in my painting project. Wish me luck!
Yukiko (to Marlena): Break a leg! I'll see you later.
Several hours later, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Hey, boss lady. Is there anything else you want me to do before I head home?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Hey Nate. If you guys got all the bus pans emptied & trash taken out, then you should be free to go.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Pans are emptied, trash is out, and the chairs have been put on the tables. I think we're all set. If you don't need anything else, I'll see you tomorrow.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Sounds like you're all set then. Thanks... Not to sound all wishy-washy, but you're really doing well here, I'm impressed. I'm glad Vincent brought you to work here... I hope you are, too.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Um, thanks. I'm, uh, I'm glad too. It's better than my last job, that's for sure. "Flirted with dudes on the internet" doesn't look real good on the resumé. Thanks for hiring me, by the way. Most people wouldn't have bothered. 'Course, I guess most people wouldn't have bothered to take in Uncle Vincent either.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, I'm not most people. Besides, it's for purely selfish reasons... I met some of the most important people in my life because I took in Vincent. So, I'm willing to take the risk with you. Now, get out of here before the hugging starts. :-P
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Shit. No one wants that! Heh. I'll see you tomorrow.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Bye Nate.
A few minutes later:
Hiiri: Renfield's? Who would name a place after the servant in Dracula? Oh... (to Nathaniel) Oof. I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Fat Jesus! Watch it, Siouxsie Sioux! You knocked me straight on my ass. What were you... Do I know you?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Doubtful. Let me help you up. I did apologize, you know? Where did you learn your manners from circus folk?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Under normal circumstances, I'd say no, but these days, I seem to be neck-deep in circus freaks. Sorry. You surprised me. You're SURE we don't know one another? You seem so damn... OUCH! Shit. You shocked the hell out of me.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Sorry. I'm still a little overly charged... Wait. That's only happened with other... Are you a skipper?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): A what? Whatever that's slang for, thanks, but I'm not interested.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It's not drugs, silly boy. But, clearly I'm mistaken. You don't have the right look about you anyway. Can you please point in the direction of a hotel or possibly the waterfront? I'm a little lost.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Uh... Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm kind of new to town myself. I think I can find the waterfront; follow the smell of fish.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thanks for that. So, I'm assuming it's that way, then. Correct? There used to be a hotel next to that riverfront apartment building, if I recall. I hope it's still there. Thank you for your help. I am sorry about knocking you down.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): It's alright. It's not the worst thing that's ever happened to me. I think I'll survive. If that hotel's not open, I think there's a hostel down by the school. At least, there was according to my uncle.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): That's good... I can think of at least 5 different things that would be much worse. Staying at hostel may possibly be one of them, but I just need to sleep for an hour or two, so it may come to that... I've been running all night. Don't mean to babble at strangers. It's a bad habit of mine. At least, I think it's mine. Maybe, it was hers. No matter. Thanks again.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Uh, yeah. You're welcome. Are you OK? I mean, do you need any help or anything? Like... I don't know. Should I call someone?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Oh... No. There is no one to call. I mean, there are but I don't think they'd help. They helped me once & well, they don't like me very much. I mean, my little brother once stabbed me. Granted, I deserved it. I would have done the same, but I'd have been happier about it than he was. God, there I go babbling again. I'm sorry. I should really get going.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. Uh, right. That--fuck, that sucks. I'm beginning to think family is way overrated. So, good luck.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thanks, you've been very nice. So in payment for that I highly suggest you forget you saw me when they come asking. If you have to say anything, just tell them I went north to see my parents.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Sure. Consider yourself forgotten.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): And, if you are a skipper, hide.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): What the FUCK are you talking about? Sister, whatever you're taking, trust me, it isn't worth it.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm not taking anything. I haven't been sleeping or eating much, been running from CLA...
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh... Oh shit. Hey. HEY! Don't do this. PLEASE don't do this...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): OW! Huh? What happened? Did you just slap me? Don't ever do that again, if you want to keep both of your arms.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Just stow the dramatics for a minute, will you? You fucking fainted.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, I know. I figured that out when I was looking up at you from the ground.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Well spotted. Clearly you're not in any shape to do anything right now. Do you want some food or something?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Look, I'll be fine. You've done your good samaritan deed for the day, I release you from any guilt you might feel for going. I'm just going to sit right here for a minute or two and then find that hotel. I'm sure there are people worried about you. You look too clean to be an urchin... Wait. Are you an urchin? Do they even have them anymore?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh god. You're another one, aren't you? From--from whosawotsit. Great. The freak show continues.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm not sure what you're talking about. I've never been to Whosawhatsit.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Alright. Have it your way, Siouxsie. It's no skin off my dick. Are you sure you're gonna be alright?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Wow. You've got quite a mouth on you. Yes, I'll be fine. See, I'm standing up on my own two feet... And then, I'm sitting back down, wishing I had some macaroni and cheese.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. I get the feeling that's what happens when you're a preacher's kid. It innumerably warps you in all ways. Come on. Get up. Let's get you something to eat. Then we can forget we ever met one another. I just have to call my uncle.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Thank you... I'm Hiiri, by the way.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Nate. Excuse me for a minute. (to Vincent) Hey, Uncle Vincent. I know I'm supposed to be home soon, but um, one of the patrons had a little too much at the bar. I'm going to get her something to eat. I'll be home right after.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Really? That's decent of you.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. Well, it didn't seem right to leave her on the street. I didn't know what else to do.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Alright. You've got an extra half an hour. We'll see you then.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Right. I'll see you then. Um, bye. (to Hiiri) Are you alright to walk?
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I-- I think so. Why are you helping me? I could be a homicidal maniac or something.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Hell if I know. I guess karmically, I guess I kinda owe the universe one. Guess I'll take my chances.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'm relatively harmless. Honest. So, where are you taking me?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): There's a 24 hour diner just a couple of blocks away. Apparently, it's where all Emma's customers go after one of the events. You can get some coffee and food in you.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Emma? She wouldn't happen to be a Potter, would she?
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. Do you know her? Do you want me to call her? She's probably still up after work and all...
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): In a manner of speaking... No, I don't think she'd be at all happy to hear from me. But, when you see your Aunt Poppy, could you please tell her that I'm keeping my promise & that they're searching for skippers. She'll know what it means. Thank you for bringing me here... You should really get home. I'll be fine, once I get some food in me, you said it yourself.
Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Uh, yeah. I've got to get home. Um, I'll deliver your message for you. Take it easy.
Hiiri (to Nathaniel): You too.
