Zoe: Damn it! Where the fuck are my smokes!?! ... Oh, there you are. For a minute, I was worried that Mom had grabbed them.
An hour or so later:
Zoe (to Vincent): Good morning... Vinc-- Dad. Is that coffee I smell?
Vincent (to Zoe): It is indeed, hun. Let me get you a cup. Soooooo... How did your date go last night?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, um, it was okay.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh? Is that a good OK, or bad OK?
Zoe (to Vincent): I'm not really sure, to be honest. He's handsome, smart, funny & seems to really like me... But, I just can't understand why he would be interested in me. I mean, I clearly have issues, I'm awkward and have only been living on this side for a few months, not to mention my frame of cultural references are all about twenty years out of date... I'm just suspicious of the whole thing.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh sweetie! Come here. You are over-thinking this whole thing. Of course he has good reasons to be interested in you. You're funny, cute and interesting yourself, you know. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Weren't you the one giving your cousin a hard time about this very thing?
Zoe (to Vincent): Yes, I know... I think it's referred to as irony. :-P
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Or being a teenager.
Zoe (to Vincent): Probably... I have memories of doing this all before & I'm trying so hard to not do the same stupid things that Mouse did when she was my age, but it's like I can't help it... These dumba-- dumb things are apparently part of who I am. No wonder I was considered defective by Maladori.
Vincent (to Zoe): Sweetie, you're not defective in the slightest, and I don't want you thinking that about yourself at all. You may have all these memories, but you haven't LIVED any of those experiences. It's the difference between reading something in a book, and actually doing it. You and my sister may share a lot, but you're not the same people. Hee hee. Plus, you've got all those hormones knocking around in your unformed teenage brain. It makes you youngsters a little nuts.
Zoe (to Vincent): I'll say it does... Do you think Colin will ask me out again?
Vincent (to Zoe): Do you want him to?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh god, YES! I mean, yes I would like that...
Vincent (to Zoe): Ha ha. Well, then if he has a brain in that cute little head of his, he will. If not, ask him out yourself. ;-)
Zoe (to Vincent): Heh. Oh, right... I forgot that I could do that.
Vincent (to Zoe): You can, and more than that, I think you should. I don't think he'll mind at all.
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee, I may do that... How long should I wait?
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. I'm afraid I don't have much experience with dating, hun. Or patience for that matter. I'm sure there's some "standard length of time" you're supposed to wait, but if it were me, I'd call today, tell him I had a good time, and ask if he wanted to do it again.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, okay... I just might do that. Thank you!
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. Maybe you'd better run it by your mother, first. I really shouldn't encourage you to act like me in any way or form.
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee, that's probably a good idea. Is she awake now?
Vincent (to Zoe): I'm not sure. If you're going to check, take this and this. The missus will look much more kindly upon you waking her up if you come bearing coffee and a scone.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, right... Thanks.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Poppy): Mom? ... Are you awake? ... I brought you coffee & a scone.
Poppy (to Zoe): It's okay, honey, I was just sitting here, reading... I was hoping your father would send me breakfast in bed. I was feeling lazy. :-P
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh... I can come back later, if you want me to go get him or something.
Poppy (to Zoe): Heehee, no I'm fine. He'll find his way back here eventually, sweetie. So, what's going on? What's happening? You look like you want to ask me something.
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh yeah... I was just trying to figure out if I should call Colin back or wait for him to call me. Dad said I should ask you.
Poppy (to Zoe): Oh, he did, did he? Typical... Honey, go with your gut. If you like him, just call. Don't be one of those insipid girls that waits for someone else to make decisions for them. You'll never get what you want that way. Besides, the worse that could happen is he simply says he's not interested, which is highly unlikely. You're a catch. Ok?
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh... I am?
Poppy (to Zoe): Yes, honey, if you stopped dressing like an extra in a cheesy vampire movie, you'd be able to see that, too... I'm not saying change your wardrobe. Just go a little lighter on the eyeliner. You're a pretty girl, but you keep making yourself look like an angry raccoon.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heehee, an angry raccoon... I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. I'll leave you to your breakfast.
At the Longfellow Inn, West Piedmont:
Persephone: Victor? ... Can you hear me? Please, respond… Well, grunt...
Aiden (to Persephone): Any luck getting a hold of Victor?
Persephone (to Aiden): No, not at all... Do you think you can take me over to see him, darling?
Aiden (to Persephone): Oh... Yes, of course. You know, I'd do anything for you.
Persephone (to Aiden): Wonderful! This is something I'd like to tell him face to face, anyway... Oh, and we'll need to see Mars & Yoyo, too!
Aiden (to Persephone): If you'd like we can make a trip of it. I have some leave that I've never used.
Persephone (to Aiden): You are phenomenal... I'll go pack, right now.
A couple hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Good morning, Mister Sunshine! You're looking especially handsome, today. Is that a new t-shirt? The color looks nice on you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? What the hell are you talking about? You're in a good damn mood.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes, yes I am. I just got off the phone with Colin... and, he'd like to see me again.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh yeah? Heh. I told you. You were worrying about being boring for nothing.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, yeah... You were right. Thank you for talking me into going out with him for coffee. I don't think I would have done it, otherwise.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You're welcome. I'm glad it went well. Although, if I knew it was going to make you grin like a maniac, like that, I might have rethought it. And before you ask... Yes. I'm kidding.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee... So, are you okay? You seem a little mopier than usual, which is saying a lot, Count Gloomenstein.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Count Gloomenstein? You're the one who dresses like she's auditioning for a Hammer Film, not me. :-P I'm fine. I'm just a bit annoyed with myself, and... Shit. Honestly, I've been trying to give you space.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Space? I don't need no stinkin' space... Seriously, you can tell me... I know, you're pining for me now that I have someone else to crush on... It's okay, I understand, I'm just that fucking wonderful... I'm kidding. Don't make that face at me. So, why are you annoyed at yourself?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yes. I'm mourning the love that will now never be. I was trying to keep us from getting all weird & codependent, you dick. It's nothing. I'm still all hung up on my ex, clearly, and I'm a bit more fucked up than I'd like.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Honestly, what the hell is so special about that guy, Nate? He didn't care that you had taken off or that you were okay... Seems to me that there's no reason to be hung up on him. Was his dick made of gold or something? Under all that grump, mouthiness & despite your best efforts, you're a good guy... You deserve to have a nice relationship with someone... And yes, we are a little co-dependent on each other, but I think we both kinda needed that kind of support. Look, at what has happened to us both since we met... I know, I couldn't have done all of this without you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yes, his dick was made of gold and shot diamonds. :-P Look, I know it's stupid to be pining after the a guy who dumped me for not... Well, cause I was a little fucked up just cause he was nice to me. But, it was... It's hard to explain.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Because, it was nice to have someone like you and make you feel worthwhile? Even, if you knew it was a lie & it wouldn't last... Nope, don't know anything about that.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Yeah, it was. Besides, it wasn't like I was much fun to "date." We couldn't actually go anywhere, because I couldn't let anyone know I was with a guy, and it wasn't like we were having sex... Wait. What was that last bit?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What last bit? ... I was just empathizing. We were talking about you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright. If you say so... Anyway, yeah. Like I said, I'm annoyed with myself and I don't know what to do about it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, if you didn't really go on dates & you weren't fooling around... what exactly do you miss about him?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey now. It wasn't THAT boring. I didn't say that we weren't fooling around. We just weren't having sex, you know?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, according to you, if someone doesn't want to have sex with you, what's the fucking point?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah, well, that's kinda the conclusion he came to, isn't it? That's not entirely fair. He was pissed off about me chatting to all those guys online too. He thought there was more to it than there actually was.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... So, why didn't you offer to quit, if you liked him so much? Don't look at me like that... I'm just trying to help. You clearly need to talk this stuff out.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Honestly? I was kinda pissed he didn't believe me when I told him it was nothing. I mean, I get it that it's kinda sketchy... But I wasn't prostituting myself or anything, and... I don't know. In case you haven't noticed this about me, I'm kinda a contrary dick. And I kinda resented being accused of putting out on the internet for strangers and not my boyfriend. I handled it like an ass. I'll admit it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well then, why don't tell him all of that?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I could. I could get him back if I wanted to... But I'm not. I pretended to be a lot more together than I was. I was full of bullshit when we were together. It wasn't healthy for me, and it wasn't fair to him.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well then, you're doing the right thing by not trying to get him back. So, why are you moping and punishing yourself? Or are you into that sort of thing?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yes. I'm hoping for a big, broad leather daddy to take me away.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): It figures... you perv.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yep. That was what broke Tim and I up. He wasn't kinky enough.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm just trying to help... You can continue to be all mopey if you want.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No, no. Don't do that. It's fine, and I appreciate it. I really do. And, I'm not trying to mope.
An hour or two later:
Poppy (to Persephone): Persephone honey, what on earth are you doing here? (to Persephone & Aiden) ... With Aiden? Is everything alright at the inn?
Aiden (to Poppy): Miss Poppy, you're looking as lovely, as usual.
Poppy (to Aiden): Flattery will get you nowhere, Aiden... (to Persephone & Aiden) Come in and have a seat, I'll go get some tea made.
Persephone (to Poppy): Everything is fine, Aunt Poppy... Mam is getting as big as house. Da has finally finished the addition on the Inn, thanks to help from Percy & Aid-- Mister Wilkes, here. I just missed all of you terribly.
Poppy (to Persephone): Well, I'm glad to hear that everything is alright at the old homestead. Honey, would you please come and give me a hand?
Persephone (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. (to Aiden) We'll be right back.
Aiden (to Persephone): As you wish.
Poppy (to Persephone): So, honey... what's going on? Really?
Persephone (to Poppy): ... Why would you think there's anything going on?
Poppy (to Persephone): Because, I'm not an idiot, honey. You & Aiden wouldn't risk crossing over here for no reason. And, judging by the new ring you're sporting, I'm guessing this is a personal visit. So, are you engaged or did you two simply elope?
Persephone (to Poppy): ... Fine. You win. I should have known better than to try & be sneaky around you. We're just engaged... It's a long story but we're in love... and, he's getting sent on an important mission to the colonies & asked me to go with him.
Poppy (to Persephone): Oh, honey... I won't lie. I'm both happy & concerned for you.
Persephone (to Poppy): Thank you... Here, I'll grab the tray.
Aiden (to Poppy): So, judging by the look on your face, Miss Poppy. Persephone told you?
Poppy (to Aiden): Yes, she did... And, if this is some kind of trick or part of a mission, honey, I swear there won't be a place to hide where I won't find you, if you hurt my niece. Do you understand, Aiden?
Persephone (to Poppy): Aunt Poppy, really!?!
Aiden (to Poppy): I completely understand.
A few minutes later:
Victor: Hello? Mom?! I'm... (to Aiden) Oh. Hello, Aiden. What are you doing here?
Aiden (to Victor): Hello, Victor. It's nice to see you again. I brought Miss Longfellow here to visit you. She's in the kitchen with your mother getting the tea.
Victor (to Aiden): If you say so. Can I get you anything?
Aiden (to Victor): As a matter of fact, there is something... It's a bit of a request.
Victor (to Aiden): Oh? What's that?
Aiden (to Victor): I think I should wait until Seph-- I mean, Miss Longfellow tells you why we're here.
Persephone (to Aiden): Shhhh! Let me tell him. I don't want you to spoil the surprise. (to Victor) Victor, I'm... We're engaged.
Victor (to Persephone): You're what? (to Aiden) You're WHAT?
Persephone (to Victor): Aiden & I are getting married.
Victor (to Aiden & Persephone): When did that... I mean, how long have you two been dating?
Aiden (to Victor & Persephone): I'll step out onto the balcony & give you two some privacy.
Persephone (to Victor): It's been a few months... Aiden proposed when he found out he was being sent to the colonies on a mission next month. (to Aiden) Thank you, darling. Though, feel free to come back at any point. Victor & I have got a lot of catching up to do.
Victor (to Aiden): Thank you. (to Persephone) Seph, are you sure about this?
Persephone (to Victor): Yes, I'm positive, Victor. He treats me well, he respects my opinion & he's interesting. I'm never bored when I'm with him. I'm in love with him & in his own way he loves me.
Victor (to Persephone): "In his own way..." Seph, you don't have to settle for someone who loves you "in his own way." That's just... It's insane!
Persephone (to Victor): That's not what I meant & you know it! He just has a hard time expressing himself sometimes, but he loves me... I thought you would be happy for me. I wanted to tell you face to face, but it was clearly a mistake to come here.
Victor (to Persephone): I'm sorry, Seph! I really am. I just... I don't trust Aiden, and I worry about you. And, I worry about you being with anyone that isn't simply mad about you. Did... Did he tell you he works for the Imperial Guard?
Persephone (to Victor): You don't have to worry about me, Victor. Honest. I was so happy and excited about telling you. I didn't expect you to be upset. And yes, he did. He is being sent to Colorado Springs by the Empress to be the new Imperial liaison to Tesla. Something happened to the old one. The Empress is concerned and wants him to investigate. He asked me to go with him. He said that I have a good brain for this sort of thing & he couldn't think of anyone he'd rather take with him.
Victor (to Persephone): I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your moment, but you can't fault me for worrying about you. You're my best friend!
Persephone (to Victor): And before you say it, I know all about the kiss with Nate. He & I don't have any secrets from each other.
Victor (to Persephone): I wasn't going to say a word about it, honestly. Ever since I learned Aiden was Yoyo's handler, I just don't know what to think about him. If you're happy, I'm happy for you. If anyone can handle Aiden, you can! I suppose we aren't going to be seeing much of each other anymore, are we?
Persephone (to Victor): Well, you've been over here for months & I've missed you terribly. We were going to stay in town for a few days, so I could visit with you, if you want... CLANNG is still heavily entrenched in New London, but rumor has it that Carver has lost access to the device he was planning to use to secure his plans of "world domination", and has stopped his search for skippers. So, you guys could come back, if you wanted to... I think.
Victor (to Persephone): Um, well, it might be a bit dodgy for my parents... Good heavens, there is SO bloody much to tell you.
Persephone (to Victor): First off, give me a hug... I have missed you so much!
A few minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Holy fucking shit! Jesus... Sorry. I wasn't expecting to find anyone out here. I'll, uh, I'll leave you to your whatever.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I didn't mean to startle you, Nate. I was just standing out here giving Persephone & Victor some space. You don't have to go unless you'd rather… Or I could leave. I was just going to have a smoke myself, but I seem to have misplaced my lighter.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No, you're alright. Here. I didn't know you smoked. Course, I don't suppose I know anything about you, do I?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Thank you... No, I don't suppose you do. I'm not very good at talking about myself. Persephone is the only person that I have ever felt comfortable enough around before to openly share things with... Well, and apparently you. Hmmm, I'm not sure why that is...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Me? Heh. The only personal thing I can think of that you told me is that stars bore you. You're here with Seph? Huh. I should probably head out after this cigarette, then. She's not my biggest fan.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I think she'll be fine with you being here. She's much too excited about telling Victor about our engagement. It's all she's talked about for the last few days. I'm just glad we were able to crossover when we did.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You... You're engaged? Holy shit! That's... Um. Wow. That's fucking screwy. Congratulations are in order, I guess. Uh, I didn't mean that in a nasty way, you know. That's just kinda out of left field from, um, this side. Were you having trouble crossing?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): We've been seeing each other for months back in Britannia. I'm being sent to the colonies & I didn't want to go without her. Crossing through official portals has been severally regulated, as of late. Luckily, I was able to get the right permission for us both to crossover. I can't say that I'll be sad to see the back of CLANNG when we get to the colonies.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. They sound like they more than kinda suck. Um, I should go. Good luck with the, uh, colonies and shit. Heh. I'm gonna make my escape. I'm guessing you must be crazy about Seph, cause you know if you ever fuck her over. This whole family will hurt you in horrible ways.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, Miss Poppy made that abundantly clear... It was nice seeing you again, Nate.
A couple hours later, West Piedmont:
Marlena: Grrrr... Stupid bird sit fucking still. How am I supposed to sketch you if you won't stay still!?!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I don't think shouting at it is gonna help.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, no but it makes me feel fucking better about the whole damn thing... Heh. I wasn't sure if you were going to show up. Pull up a corner of blanket & have a seat.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I got kinda held up. First Zoe wanted to know what was so awesome about my ex, and then Aiden was there with an engagement announcement. Here. This is for you. Don't make a face. It's nothing weird. I figured if I start yammering, you can duct tape my fucking mouth into silence.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... You hand me a roll of duct tape & tell me I can tape your mouth shut... and you don't think that's weird? Wow. You have a very liberal view of the word 'weird'.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah, well... I have been living with your aunt and uncle for a while. AND it was a fucking joke.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I know, I'm just giving you a hard time... So, wanna talk about it or do you just want to sit here & be mud while I draw?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I think I'm gonna be mud for a while if you don't mind. I'm sick of talking about myself. I don't know what to say anymore.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Mud it is, then... Weird question. But would you mind if I sketch you? I've got to practice my figure drawing a little more.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I guess not. I, uh... What do I do?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): You don't have to do anything special. I just don't like to sketch people without asking first. You know, in case I end up liking it & wanting to use it for something, they're not surprised.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Knock yourself out.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Thanks... I will.
A short time later:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... Here you go. My five minute sketch of you being mud.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Goddamn, you can draw. Is that seriously what my hair looks like? Jesus...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah... Don't worry, I exaggerated it a little for emphasis & style. You only kinda look like an owl in a hedge.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh good. Kinda like an owl was the look I was going for.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... Want something to drink? Don't worry, it's just lemonade.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Thanks. How has rooming with Yoyo been going? Or is it too early to tell yet?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): It's been good, so far... She's been a lot more open about talking about her past. And, she seems more relaxed than she used to be... I just thought it was her strict upbringing. Heh... Silly me.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Seriously. How could you *not* suspect she was a British spy from an alternate reality? Man. So naive...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Fuckin' rub it in, why don't ya? :-p
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. I thought that's what I was doing.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... So, feeling any better?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I still don't know what I'm gonna do with myself, but I guess I don't have to figure it out right this second.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): You'll figure it out when you're ready.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Let's fucking hope so. I can barely stand myself. I can't imagine what it's like for other people. Pure awesome I bet.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... So, you said something about an engagement, who's getting hitched?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Victor's cousin Persephone and that Aiden guy.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): What!?! That's fuckin' insane.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): That's what he told me. Said he was getting shipped to "the colonies" and didn't wanna go without her. She's gonna be at the apartment for a couple of days if you wanna talk to her.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh, that's good to know. This is just fucking crazy... Seph's getting married & going to the colonies. God, I bet Victor is beside himself.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Yeah. That's right. He mentioned he thought of her like a sister, cause of some crazy memory thing... I was kinda out of it when he was talking about it. Couldn't he just go visit her, though? I mean, he can kinda hop around.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah... He could. I just don't think he likes that Aiden character very much.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah... He's kinda hard to get a bead on. That's for fucking sure. I figure either he really likes Persephone, or he's suicidal. I mean, he *has* to know if he dicks her over, Aunt Poppy will gut him. Actually, he does know that. She already told him as much.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... Aunt Poppy takes family very seriously. I've heard the stories. Trust me, he must like her... Though, I thought he liked boys, at least, that's what I thought the brief moment I met him. Though, it might just be the whole British thing.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Me too. Course, I thought the same thing about Uncle Vincent... I was pretty fucking shocked when Aunt Poppy answered the door and introduced herself.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... Heh. Uncle Vincent likes both. Maybe, Aiden does, too... Seph probably loves that. She's always wanted to be like Poppy.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. He kisses like he does. Don't look fake shocked. I know everyone in the family has already heard the story.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'm not shocked about that. I'm just surprised you mentioned it... So, are you one of those people who think that there's only gay or straight?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): No, I'm not that fucking ignorant. It's just... Let's just say that's not the narrative I heard about my prodigal uncle growing up. Course, it's not the narrative I heard about myself either, so I shouldn't have been all that surprised.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... You should hear the stories about Uncle Vincent in Britannia. Some of them are even true.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Victor had Zoe and I combing through some of his mom's files one night. They were... Christ. I don't even know.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Made you want to go over there, didn't it?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Does it make me an idiot if I said yes? I mean, there's a whole militia over there who wants to dissect me, but still...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Nope, just honest and not to worry, you're in good company... I've always wanted to do it, too.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Is that why you stole that airship when you went over there? Forgot I knew about that, didn't you?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah... It was. And, I hadn't forgotten, I was just hoping that you had. :-p
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Nope. If I've got one talent, it's remembering shit people wish I wouldn't.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... So, did you tell Zoe that you were coming to hang out with me?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): No, I didn't want her to know about our illicit affair. Yeah. I did. She didn't mind. She was gonna try and get Victor to paint her nails for her follow up date with Colin.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... An illicit affair? That's laughable... Even if you liked girls, you are so not my type. But, I'm glad she was okay with it. I don't need the wraith of the mini mom. :-p
Nathaniel (to Marlena): What? You don't like scrawny, fucked up, former criminal types? :-P Yeah, told you she was gonna start opening up. Mostly.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Mostly?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): She said something today when she was asking me about Tim that made me think she's waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't know.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, she's still adjusting. It's gotta be weird.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. She still doesn't know what to do around Uncle Vincent. Heh. She's taken to calling Poppy Mom, no problem, though.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Makes sense to me. She's got my mom's memories rattling around in her brain. She remembers Uncle Vincent being her little brother. Just like she remembers dating my dad, which is probably a thousand times weirder.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Jesus... Yeah. God, I'm a dick... Anyway, not that I'm judging. I don't know how the fuck to act around Uncle Vincent either.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Why is that? Uncle Vincent is oddly the most dedicated husband & father you will ever meet. Despite, rumors to the contrary. He wouldn't hurt you, ever. You're family.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I know. I know he's not a dick or anything. I'm not saying it's rational. I'll get over it.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... You big weirdo. :-p
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah, yeah. Most guys freak me out. This is why my dating calendar is just packed full to bursting. Yuck it up. :-P
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... Too bad, you can't switch teams. There's tons of girls that would love your fucked up bad boy persona... Though, I tried dating girls & I can honestly say, I don't blame you for wanting to stay away from all that.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): God... I had a "girlfriend" if you could honestly call her that for like a week. My parents set me up with some poor sap from the church to help me stay on the straight and narrow. Emphasis on the straight. Girls didn't do it for you, huh?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I was willing to try, though. I thought I was desperately in love with a girl in my art history class my freshman year I quickly realized that as much as I might have been in love with her, the physical aspect of it didn't do it for me. So, I've given up on dating until after school is done.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah. Me either. Literally, all that "pray out the gay" bullshit was how to ignore the fact that the opposite sex doesn't turn you on, and how you can "learn to do God's work." Well, that and a whole shitload of drugs, bullying, rape, and suicide attempts. Which, honestly, is pretty in line with the Bible when you think about it.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... I think I'd rather not. The Bible's never been very big in my house. Mom & Dad have some very strong opinions on it.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Mine too, though I think they were probably different opinions. Remember that thing I said earlier about remembering shit things that people *really* wish I didn't? That trait does NOT come in handy when it comes to Christian studies. Heh. Speaking of terrible shit the ol' Jones Family religion has caused, I should get home... Um, back to my aunt and uncle's.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I was just thinking that... We should get the hell out of here.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh... Shit. Yeah we should. Does this place have a security guard, cause whoever that is, has a flashlight. In my experience, flashlights equal trouble. Come on, Stretch! Let's get the fuck outa here.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... You don't wanna kiss me to distract them? I'm hurt... I'm just kidding. Come on.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Only if he's about to shoot us.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, let's hope it won't come to that.
