Zoe (to Persephone): Wake up, Seph! If you don't get your ass into my bed before mom & dad get up, you are going to be in so much trouble.
Persephone (to Zoe): Huh? Oh... Right... I'm going, I'm going. (to Aiden) Go back to sleep, darling.
A short time later:
Zoe: Geez... I try to be nice & then she friggin' hogs the whole bed... Guess, it's time to get up. I need coffee & a smoke.
Nathaniel: Shit. Yeah. I'm not getting back to sleep. Thanks, brain. Thanks a fucking bunch. Guess I'll go take a shower then... a cold fucking shower.
An hour or so later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Hey! What are you doing up so early?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I couldn't sleep. What are you doing up? And dressed? ...You're not just getting in NOW are you?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No! I'm not that stupid. I fell asleep dressed & then, I had to rouse Seph from the couch. The lovebirds were firmly entrenched there & I didn't think she wanted to get a scolding from mom.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): They were? Yeah. Right. Course. Makes sense... I thought you wanted Seph to be horribly maimed in a fire. I would've thought you would've left her to her fate.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, I didn't do it for her, I did it for Victor. So, what's got you up & about? ... Did you take a shower already?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Uh, yeah. I did. So what?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Are you mad at me?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No, no, no! Of course not. It's not you at all, it's just... Jesus. I don't know what to think right now. Can we go... someplace more secluded than the kitchen?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh yeah, sure... Your room or the balcony?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I smoked the last of my cigarettes last night, so I don't care. We'll have to talk low in my room. There's no fucking door...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh. Well, if privacy is what we need... Hold my hand... Paris, here we come.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oof... You okay? You can't get more private than a continent away.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Holy mother of fuck! I don't think I'll ever fucking get used to that. Oh shit! I am not fucking dressed for the weather!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh, right... Sorry. Let's go somewhere warmer... Ooh, how about an island? … Hold on.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus... Hey. You alright? Don't go making yourself sick or anything.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No, I'm fine... Heh. Is it warm enough for you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus. Yeah. I'd say so. I'm already sweating my balls off in damn sweatshirt. Christ... This is beautiful. Where are we?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): The Kaʻala island in Hawaii. I figured it's secluded and we won't have to worry about anyone we know finding us... I've come here a few times to think... So, what's going on?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm in fucking Hawaii... Heh. Ask me again in a minute. I don't wanna care right this second. How'd your date go?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, fair enough... My date went alright. I really like Colin & he seems to really like me... Which just makes me wonder what the fuck is wrong with him? I mean, mom & dad both told me not to worry about it & that I'm adorable, blah, blah, blah… But, I still can't help being all paranoid & questioning his motives.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Well, I'm not gonna tell you you're being nuts. All things considered, I think you being extra cautious is understandable. But if he's willing to put up with extra cautious, and you like him, fuck it. Keep dating.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know & I'd like, too. It's just that there's this other part of me that just wants to jump him & rip his clothes off... And, I know that would be very bad. So, I'm having a difficult time of it. I'll figure it out, eventually.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Pfffft! What? Ha ha ha! Oh. Oh Holy shit... I was NOT expecting that...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh, come on... Have you seen him? We went bowling yesterday & he was wearing a wife-beater under a shirt... He had a six-pack under there... I kept staring & forgetting to speak. I felt like an idiot.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. I've seen him, and I'm not blaming you. Don't get me wrong! I just wasn't expecting you to flat out admit it. And don't worry. I don't think his feeling were too hurt if the girl he's interested in forgets to talk cause she's too busy giving him the eye. We guys are simple creatures.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... Well, that's good to know. So, what's up with you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Christ. I was hoping I'd have this sorted out in my head better before you asked me that. I fucking don't. Aiden kissed me last night. I mean, that's the short, short version. The long version is that after a lot of awkward back and forth, he told me that he's deeply in love with Seph, but they have permission to have, uh, "fun on the side" was how he put it, and asked if I was interested, and then kissed me when I said I wasn't really up to it. Goddamn it! Why did you have to go and put that shit in my head about him checking me out?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): HOLY SHIT!?! ... I was not expecting that, at all.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Me either.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry, I really had no idea. If I did, I would never have said that stuff to you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I know. I'm sorry. I know you didn't have any idea. I'm just... Christ. I don't know what to think right now.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, they're going back over to Britannia, tomorrow & then, they're off to the colonies. So, does it really matter?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. I know. I can avoid the hell out of him for another day, it's just... The most fucked up part of it is --and I am getting way into TMI land here, I'm sorry, cause I KNOW you wanna hear this... I always thought cause of my fucked up brain chemistry, and then all the drama, I had a low sex drive, you know? It was one of the reasons Tim and I never went much past fooling around. Things would get weird, or I'd have a flashback, or some shit, and I just would lose interest. I didn't even think about the stupid meds. I was always told, you know, Teenage Boy: there ain't no killing those hormones. But, last night... Jesus. I had to force myself to tell him to leave.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... Wow... Nate, that sucks... I mean, not that you might actually like someone... But, yeah... shit.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Shit. It's alright. Like I said, I can avoid the hell out of him for another day. It's no big thing. Heh. We can't all have hot, available guys with six packs fall into our laps. :-P
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Yeah, but Aiden is available or, at least, he said as much... Or would that be too weird? I mean, I have no idea what to tell you. This is way out of the realm of my experience or knowledge. Mom & Dad would be the experts in the field of perv in this family. And, I don't even know how to brooch that sort of thing with either of them.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Yeah, no shit! "Hey Aunt Poppy, could you tell me how to approach fooling around w/ someone in an open relationship?" Not that it matters. It'd be too weird for me anyway. I don't think I could handle being someone's fun on the side. Heh. I got enough fucking issues.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Really? I think I could do it... I mean, not forever... But, then again, I have a little more moral flexibility than you do. It's probably from the whole Hiiri thing... And, Aiden's hot in a very British nerdy sort of way.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): … I think that's the first time someone has ever told me I don't have enough moral flexibility. Who knows. Maybe in 5 fucking years, I'll have a whole string of fuck-buddies. Just right now, I feel a little too fucking mixed up to throw someone else's relationship in the fucking blender too, you know? Heh. Or maybe not. I sure as shit wasn't thinking about any of that crap after he kissed me last night. Who the fuck knows?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, I'm a complex person. :-P And a horny teenage girl... I can't really be trusted.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Guess I can't be trusted either.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know this might be too weird... but do you want me to talk to Seph? I mean, to find out if it's really okay with her? Would that make a difference? Or would it make it worse?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I... I have no fucking idea. ...Maybe. No. You know what? No. Let's just let it lie. How 'bout we concentrate on the next dude that makes me pop one, who's NOT gonna get married or from an alternate dimension?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Fine. If you want to be all boring about it. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Well, you know how important traditional relationships are to us gays.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Do you want to head back now or continue to soak in the sun for a little bit?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): We should head back before someone misses us, or I get sunburned. So you know, like in 15 more minutes. Thanks, by the way.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): For what?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What do you mean for what? You just spent a whole shitload of time listening to me, essentially, bitch some guy I've got a hard-on for kissed me. Woe is I! Oh. And cause I know you're wondering. On a scale of 10, a solid 8. Probably 9.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee... That certainly explains a lot. And, you've listened to me whine plenty. It's what friends do. Come on, let's get home before you turn the color of a beet.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Shit. Yeah. If it's not too late already. Man, fuck all y'all who tan. That shit is so not fair.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee... Hold on...
Meanwhile, back at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Marlena (to Persephone): Seph! That is seriously fucking insane! You're not worried about being jealous or I don't know, diseases?
Persephone (to Marlena): Martian, calm down! I have no reason to be jealous & we're both being extra careful... Honestly, I see no downside to this arrangement. I get to be a Lady with all the privileges, benefits, a husband that's devoted to me & if I so choose to fool around, I can. I see no drawback.
Marlena (to Persephone): You see no fucking drawback!?! What about if he falls for someone else? Or if you do? Which is highly more likely you fickle girl.
Persephone (to Marlena): Mars, you sound like someone's mother. Calm down. We'll deal with that when & if it happens. And, please keep your voice down. We don't want to wake up the whole apartment.
Marlena (to Persephone): Seph, I love you dearly... But, this is just nuts. Does Victor know about this "arrangement"?
Persephone (to Marlena): Of course not. You know how much he would "tsk tsk" at me. You're the only one I've told.
Marlena (to Persephone): Fuck... Lucky me.
Persephone (to Marlena): Just hush & drink your coffee.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): HOLY Jesus! (to Marlena & Persephone) Uh. Hey.
Zoe (to Marlena & Persephone): Oops... Hi there.
Marlena (to Zoe, Nathaniel & Persephone): Fuck... That's just weird.
Persephone (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Heehee, nice of you to join us.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. You're telling me. Uh, sorry about your coffee. Hold on. I'll grab a towel. You want another cup?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Why the fuck not? ... Um. Here I grabbed you a carton of smokes on my way over. I thought you might be out.
Zoe (to Nathaniel, Marlena & Persephone): Heehee... I'm going to go grab a shower. I'm meeting Colin after school later. See ya!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Holy shit, thank you! I would kiss you if I thought either one of us would enjoy that. (to Zoe) Heh. Later!
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... Please fucking don't. I'm allergic to affection. (to Persephone) Stop fucking grinning.
Persephone (to Marlena): I'm sorry. I just don't think I've ever seen you have friendly banter with anyone before.
Marlena (to Persephone): Laugh it up, fuzzball... You are still on my grump list.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Marlena): It's not friendly banter. We're looking for weaknesses in one another's psychic walls. (to Marlena) Here you go. Sorry.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Thanks... You wanna go grab a smoke? Preferably away from the Cheshire cat here.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Fuck yes. I may smoke this whole carton. (to Persephone) Seriously. That is unnerving.
Persephone (to Nathaniel & Marlena): God, if I didn't know any better I'd swear you two were actually related... Go on, go smoke. I'll be fine.
A moment later:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Fat Christ. I'm glad you two showed up when you did... Seph is just fucking unbelievable. I seriously think my head may fucking explode.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. That's what I've heard. Are you OK? I don't think I've ever seen you actually frazzled before.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah... No... Maybe... Fuck, I don't know. She was telling me about some "arrangement" she has with Aiden. She thinks it's the fucking bee's knees. And, I just think she's being stupid & shortsighted. I'm sorry, you don't want to hear about this dumb shit. I mean, if she's really happy & okay with it. Then, I should be too, right?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Shit. She told you about that? No wonder you look like you're gonna shit a brick... Um, I don't know. I'm not really a good person to ask about the proper way to handle personal relationships, you know? I don't think you should keep your mouth shut if you think it's a bad idea. But, you know, it's her life. And she can do whatever fool thing she wants. She doesn't live here, right? She lives on the other side, and I'm guessing there aren't a whole lotto options for girls over there, and even fucking fewer for unmarried ones. I don't know.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I guess I'm just looking at it from growing up over here... Wait. So, how do you know about it? She said I was the only one she told.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Fuck... Um, yeah. She didn't tell me. Aiden did.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh... And, here I was about to go off on Seph for being a big old liar for telling me it was a secret.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I don't know how big a secret it is now. I kinda told Zoe about it, cause it was freaking me out more than a bit. I think Victor and the various parental figures are the only ones who don't know now.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Strangely, it makes me feel fucking better that I'm not the only one who knows... Though, I still don't know how I feel about it. I didn't realize you & Aiden were friends... Wait. You're not, are you? ... Oh, for fuck's sake! That's why Seph was all smiles. I'm a fucking moron.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Oh shit. It IS, isn't it? Oh god. That is just... Jesus Christ!
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. You wanna come and crash at my place while they're still here? I can assure you that I have no interest in you & your virtue will be intact. :-P
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Ha ha ha. Very fucking funny.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Seriously, though... You can crash with me & Yoyo if you need to get away.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): It's OK. I've got work later, so I won't be hom--here for a good chunk of the day. It'll be alright. Course if she keeps fucking leering at me like that, I'll be over there in a heartbeat.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, you're welcome to crash with us, anytime. I'm usually up late painting... Speaking of which I need to get to class. If you run out of smokes, let me know, I'll pick some up when I grab mine. See ya!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Um, yeah. I will. Thanks!
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Aiden): So, are you going to stay on the floor like that all day or do you give up, honey?
Aiden (to Poppy): I think the answer is a resounding yes, Miss Poppy.
Poppy (to Aiden): That's a bit disappointing, honey... I thought you Imperial Guards were supposed to be tough.
Aiden (to Poppy): Normally, I would argue the point with you... but since you've bested me 4 out of 5 times. I'll just agree.
Vincent (to Poppy & Aiden): Hee hee. Go easy on the poor boy, lover. If you break him, your niece will never forgive you.
Poppy (to Vincent): ... Heehee, I thought I was going easy on him, lover.
Aiden (to Vincent): I take it that your lovely wife is still angry with me?
Vincent (to Aiden): Oh no, hun. My lovely wife is annoyed. If she were angry, you'd be bleeding far more than that. (to Poppy) You know, one of these days, someone is going to call protective services on us, woman.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh really? Who would believe them, honey? I'm so very tiny & helpless looking. Besides, it's training. Anyone with half a brain would realize that from the bruise patterns. And, I have never broken anyone's bones in here...Please, don't tempt me.
Aiden (to Vincent & Poppy): Dear god, please don't tempt her... I don't think I could take it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Tiny and helpless my ass... Really? Are you threatening me? You know how I go all weak in the knees when you do that. It's been nearly a week since you last tried to shoot me. Where has the spark gone in our marriage?
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I'm very tempted to shoot you, right now... But, I didn't want to set a bad example in front of our guest.
Aiden (to Poppy & Vincent): Should I leave?
Vincent (to Aiden): I suppose if you didn't want to wait until it got interesting... (to Poppy) Ouch! Hey! Watch it! You're going to bruise my poor delicate body! (to Aiden) Don't look so panicked, Aiden. We're only kidding. Mostly.
Poppy (to Aiden): Your stance is terrible, lover. No wonder you're always getting hurt. You know, your looks aren't always going to save you.
Vincent (to Poppy): I figure I've got another--what--10 years before they go completely? Plenty of time for you to be a very attractive widow, and look up that poor lad you left pining for you in the Caribbean.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's very kind of you, lover... Alejandro was a sweet boy, a little too simple for my taste, but I'm sure I'd find a use for him. (to Aiden) My darling husband seems to have inordinate amount of luck. (to Vincent) Tsk. tsk. Bad lunge.
Aiden (to Poppy & Vincent): I am having a very hard time looking away... This is a side of Miss Poppy I've never seen.
Vincent (to Poppy): *I* could suggest a use for him. Several uses. I'll even draw you diagrams. Do you want to be wearing the apron, or shall he? (to Aiden) Good luck, good looks, and a laundry list of people who would like to do me harm for some inexplicable reason. My charms are very hard for her to resist. (to Poppy) Oops! Watch it, sweetie. You nearly took my head off with that one.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you know just how much I love a man in a kitchen cooking, lover. He obviously should be wearing the apron. (to Aiden) Heh. Don't let him fool you. He likes to play dumb, but he knows exactly why they want to do him harm. (to Vincent & Aiden) Should I tell Aiden about that time in Tortuga or maybe, the time in Minsk?
Vincent (to Poppy & Aiden): Only if you want to bore the lad. In all honesty, pirates are SO touchy. They're worse than preteen girls. (to Poppy) You're dropping your sword a bit there, lover. Tired? You're not as young as you... OOF! Ha ha ha! Oh, ouch. That's me down. Heh. Easy sweetie. If you kill me, you'll never get the blood out of these floors.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, you're very sexy when you're on the floor, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is it the horizontal part that intrigues you, or the part where you stand over me with a sword? :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Honestly, a bit of column A, a bit of column B, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh good. That's my favorite part too.
Aiden (to Poppy & Vincent): And, that's my cue to leave the room.
Vincent (to Aiden): Go put some ice on your face. Dinner is at 6, hun!
Aiden (to Vincent): Oh yes, of course. Thank you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... Perhaps, I should lock the door, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): You mean, I'd be locked in here with you, and no one to save me from your wicked ways? Sounds lovely.
A few moments later:
Victor (to Aiden): Do you need me to get something for you, Aiden?
Aiden (to Victor): Oh yes, thank you. I need some ice.
Victor (to Aiden): So I see. Heh. Sparring with my mother, were you? Here you are. It comes out of a dispenser in the door of the freezer.
Aiden (to Victor): That's very ingenious... Thank you.
Victor (to Aiden): Are you sure you're alright? You don't think you have a concussion, do you? You seem a bit dazed.
Aiden (to Victor): Oh sorry, I was watching your parents spar... It was something else. Watching them is... Well, it's a little intimidating. I think Seph wants to have what they have & I'm worried that she's going to be disappointed.
Victor (to Aiden): I'm going to be honest with you, Aiden, because I don't really see any reason I shouldn't be. Clearly, I don't trust you. You're Yoyo's handler & you've been spying on my family for goodness knows how long. Even now, when you're being vulnerable and as far as I can tell, heart-felt there's a part of me that wonders if you're doing it to gain my trust.
Aiden (to Victor): I completely understand, Victor. It was not my choice to spy on your family & I deeply regretted doing it. Honestly, I thought that it would be better for all concerned if it was Miss Kobayashi & myself, as opposed to the other members of Guard... We both had personal reasons to be assigned this particular mission. But, I assure you I do love your cousin very much. And, I want nothing but the best for her. She has opened my eyes to many flaws in my character that I'm trying to fix and being open with other people is one of them. And yes, I want to gain your trust for no other reason than your Seph's best friend. And, I was hoping you'd be my best man.
Victor (to Aiden): If the truth is to be told, I figured you *had* to have very strong feelings for Seph. You know who we are, more than that, who my parents are and that either one of them could make you disappear in a myriad of ways, and you subjected yourself to us and all this scrutiny. Of course I'll be your best man. Seph is more than a best friend to me; she's essentially my sister. And don't worry too much about not being my parents. Who else could be, really?
Aiden (to Victor): That is very true.
Persephone (to Victor & Aiden): Hello boys... Oooo, are you two having a serious talk?
Victor (to Persephone & Aiden): We are. I was just reminding your fiancee that if he fucks you over, no one will ever find the body.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh... Yes, I think Aunt Poppy & Uncle Vincent has already explained that to him several times.
Aiden (to Persephone): It's alright, my love. Your family is just worried about you & want to make sure that I take good care of you.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh. Good answer. (to Persephone) I also agreed to be Aiden's best man. Somehow, I suspect that was at your request.
Persephone (to Victor): Yes, I wanted you to be a part of the wedding... I was going to ask Mars to be my maid of honor, but she's kind of mad at me at the moment... Do you think Yoyo would be willing to do it?
Aiden (to Persephone & Victor): While you two discuss the wedding, I'm going to step out for a smoke. I'll be back shortly.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh. Alright. (to Persephone) Probably, but if you want Mars to do it, give her a little time. You know how she is.
Persephone (to Aiden): Of course, darling... Don't forget your scarf.
Aiden (to Persephone): Oh yes, thank you.
Victor (to Persephone): So. What are you two *really* like at home? You know, when you're not pretending to be a proper "lord and lady"?
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee... I run around in my knickers, of course. :-P
Victor (to Persephone): Well, that's a given.
Persephone (to Victor): So, I'm going to totally take the focus off of me. Crazy, I know... But, how are you and Yoyo doing?
Victor (to Persephone): What?! But you LOVE being the center of attention. :-P We're doing well. She asked me to move in with her.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh! Wow... Are you going to do that? That's a really big step. Are you sure you're ready? Stop with the face, I'm allowed to be concerned about you. Just like you're allowed to be concerned with me.
Victor (to Persephone): Hey! I'm not the one about to marry a spy. I'm just dating one. What IS it with this family and spies? :-P
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee... So, have you told your parents, yet?
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Not yet. I kinda have to figure out what I wanna do with myself, first.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh, what are the options?
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. I'm fucked if I know, cousin dearest. I know my parents really want me to attend school here, but, I'm not sure if I know enough to get through the system, in all honesty. I mean, that's why I was pulled out of public schooling originally
Persephone (to Victor): Oh come on, you're a bright lad. If you really want to go to school here, you'd be able to do it... I just think you don't. I think you want to get back to the Falcon & go back to pirating. I know you want the stability of this life, but you miss that world. It was what you were born to do. I know you love Yoyo, but don't let that stop you from doing what you want.
Victor (to Persephone): Oh will you fuck off with that? Just because you're engaged now doesn't mean you're oh so much older and wiser than me. :-P
Persephone (to Victor): Oh, like I'm saying anything that's not true. :-P
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah, yeah, yeah. For all you know, I'll take up pediatric medicine or something equally horrible and LOVE it. You're running off to become a lady now. Why would you care?
Persephone (to Victor): Because I love you & want you to be happy, you big ninny. Why don't you come with us?
Victor (to Persephone): What? To the colonies? Oh, yes. I'm sure that's just what your new husband-to-be would like: me tagging along.
Persephone (to Victor): Why not? You don't want to go to school here. You can't be in Britannia because of CLANNG. The colonies would be perfect. You wouldn't have to stay with us... You could bring the Falcon & run cargo there.
Victor (to Persephone): Seph... I won't do that. You know I won't. I love Yoyo. I don't want to move to the colonies just yet.
Persephone (to Victor): I know. But, you're always welcome.
Victor (to Persephone): I know I am, but thanks for saying it. Really, is trying to go to school for a couple of years the WORST fate in the world?
Persephone (to Victor): No, not at all... But, you didn't know what you wanted to do until I asked you to go with me, now did you?
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. You are such a pain in my arse, you know that? What in heaven's name am I going to do without you?
Persephone (to Victor): What!?! Are you kidding me? You've got a little sister, cousins galore & a girlfriend to keep you busy. I think you'll survive.
Victor (to Persephone): It doesn't mean I'm not going to miss you, you idiot.
Persephone (to Victor): I know. I'm going to miss you, too. Come here, you.
Meanwhile:
Nathaniel: Jesus fucking Christ... How the hell am I halfway through this pack of cigarettes already?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, Nate... I'm sorry. I'll go back inside.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? Oh. Um, hey. If you wanna grab a cigarette, it's fine. I won't run screaming into the night, or anything.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Thank you... I need one after your Aunt severely trounced me. I had heard that she was a good swordsman, but I had no idea.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah? That doesn't surprise me. Don't look at me. I don't know anything about swordplay. I only sparred with Aunt Poppy once. It, uh, it didn't end well.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Look, Nate, I'm sorry about the kiss, last night. I shouldn't have been so forward after you told me you weren't interested. I shouldn't have done it & I'm sorry if you're more uncomfortable around me than before.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's alright. It was... It's fine. Heh. It's not like it was traumatic or some shit. Don't worry about it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright, then. Just so you know-- Oh. Nevermind. I don't want to make it any weirder than it already is.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh god... Don't. Don't do that. Either say what you were gonna say, or don't say anything at all. That "never you mind" shit drives me nuts.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... I was just going to say that I don't make a habit of going around kissing people. You & Persephone are the only people I've ever been interested in.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... What? Seriously? Heh. No offense, man, but you gotta get better taste. At least where guys are concerned.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I had a feeling you were going to say something like that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... Christ. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be a dick. Really. I just... Heh. I told you I was a little fucked up. This is kinda uncharted territory for me, OK? When I don't know what else to do, I default to "asshole."
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Look, I'll finish up this cigarette & get out of your hair, okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Whatever. I told you it was fine. It's fine, alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, it's not fine... Because, I really want to kiss you again & you've made it quite clear that it's a bad idea.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not... That's... I... Jesus Christ! What the fuck is the allure? Honestly? I get what *my* deal is, but seriously...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I have no answer. I don't know why I'm attracted to you. I just know that I am & I'm fairly certain it's mutual.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Does it matter?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I guess not. I should go.
Zoe (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Hey! Sorry to interrupt, but I need a smoke.
Aiden (to Zoe): You weren't interrupting anything, Miss Zoe. I was just heading inside.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, night. I'm sorry, OK? (to Zoe) Here.
Zoe (to Aiden): Okay. Good night, Aiden! (to Nathaniel) Thanks... So, are you happy to see me or are you secretly cursing my name?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Neither? Both? Christ... I don't know. I'm pretty sure I'm doing the right thing, so how come I feel like shit?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Because, sometimes doing the right thing sucks ass... And, I think you'd much prefer jumping his bones, despite all the protests to the contrary. But, you are doing the right thing, I think.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I never said I didn't. Which is just so... Christ.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh, Nate... It'll be okay. Honest.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I know. I'll get over it. He'll get over it. It's not like I'm so fucking special, I'm un-fucking-forgettable...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Don't fucking say that, Nate! You are fucking special! You are kind, funny, generous, handsome & a good friend. Why is it that you're the only one who can't seem to see that?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright! Alright! Jesus! I get it. I don't ever think I've had compliments fucking shouted at me before.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, if I say them all quiet & nice, you don't fucking listen.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. I can't argue with that. Look, It's just Aiden said I was one of like two people he's had an interest in, and part of me felt like a huge fucking asshole for turning him down, and part of me --the lonely, desperate part of me-- wanted to... Heh. I wanted to fuck him right then and there. Which is a terrible fucking idea. I mean, there's no privacy out here for one.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... While then why don't you? You've got a room or hell, wait 'til everyone is asleep & visit him on the couch. If you want to & he wants to, then just do it & then, move on. It might be good for you. I mean, it would be your choice. Not someone else's... Fuck the right thing.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I... I have no idea what to say to that. Um... Jesus.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sorry... Look, I'm going to bed. It's been a long day.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. I wasn't complaining. It just caught me off guard. Go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Night.
Nathaniel: Heh. Christ... I need to remember *not* to ask sexually frustrated teenage girls for advice in the future.
A short time later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh JESUS ass fucking Christ! I should just expect you at that door every fucking time until you leave... God.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Blast! I didn't realize you were still out here. I needed a smoke... I'll come back later.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No! Wait, I... Oh! Shit! I didn't... Um...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): What is it?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I wanted to, um... Oh Jesus. Nothing. Nothing. I'm sorry. I'm an idiot...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Very well... Are you done on the balcony? I really could use a cigarette.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Jesus...Sorry. I just... Could you... Jesus Christ, Aiden! I'm trying to get off this damn balcony without making out on you! Could you get outta the fucking way?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sorry.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... you're not moving.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I'm just confused. I'm sorry. I'll get out of your way.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): This... This is going to make no fucking sense. I know, alright? And I know what I said, but... Can I kiss YOU? No duress, or surprise, or any of that other shit. Just ME making the choice for a change. ... You can say no.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. I'd be fine with it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um... Right.
A moment or two later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh... OK. Jesus. That, uh... yeah. I'll--I'll leave you to your cigarette. Um, thank you. I... thanks.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Really? That's it? You kissed me like that & now, you're just going to walk away? ... I'm hurt.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? I... Jesus! Sorry if I didn't do it for you, Stud. This is kinda outta my comfort zone! We can't all be amazing kissers.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That wasn't a complaint.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Is there somewhere more private we can go?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, there isn't really a door on my room. It's got a folding screen, but...I, uh, know a place in the city.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): If you're willing to go, I'll follow.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, yeah. I think... Yeah. It's a short walk.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Lead the way.
