Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe honey, have you seen Nate? Did he have to work this morning?
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh... I think I remember him saying something about that, last night.
Poppy (to Zoe): Oh well, I'm off to run errands, then. I put a present on his bed for him. Do not open it, honey!
Zoe (to Poppy): I wouldn't do that! ... What is it?
Poppy (to Zoe): Just some new clothes. I'm tired of him walking around in those ratty t-shirts & ripped jeans. He looks like a bum.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. That was really nice of you. You know, he's going to hate that, right?
Poppy (to Zoe): I think I can live with that, honey. I'll see you in a little while.
Zoe (to Poppy): Bye, mom. (to Nathaniel) Hey, I don't know where you are, but I told Mom that you were working this morning. I hope you're okay.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? I didn't... oh shit! What time is it? Oh fucking SHIT! Thanks! I'm fine. I'll be home in... soon. Thanks.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay.
A few minutes later:
Aiden: Huh? Where in the world is my shirt!?!
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Here. Sorry. I grabbed it by mistake. I don't own anything with that many buttons. Shit...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... Thanks. What time is it?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Nine. No, nine fucking thirty! God damn it! I'm gonna be in so much shit. Where the hell am I gonna go if they send me home?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Why would you be in trouble? We'll stop somewhere, get pastries & get back in time for breakfast. No worries. It'll be fine... Or we could stay here & get ourselves in more trouble? ... I'm just kidding. You're cute when you look exasperated.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I--I'm what when I'm what?! ... I have nothing to say to that. Come on! We'd better get fucking--uh--whatevers for the... Whatever it is we're doing! Um. Yeah. Sorry. That I snapped at you. I'm just... I'm trying to kind of behave while I'm here, you know?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, other than the fact that we stayed out way later than planned. You know, we didn't do anything wrong, right?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... No. Shit. You're right. I'm being fucking insane. Heh. Sorry. It's a bad fucking habit...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's alright. I just don't want you to regret it & start second guessing yourself.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't regret it. It's just I've got like a whole matched set of mental baggage, and it's kinda going 10 rounds with my id right now. I'm not second guessing myself. It's just old shit. It's fine.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well then, let's pick up some pastries & then make our way back.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. We're about a block or two away. I thought we probably should skip the cafe where I work.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Lead the way.
Back at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Persephone): Oh uh, good morning, Persephone… Would you like some tea or something to eat? I was going to fix myself something.
Persephone (to Zoe): Tea would be faboo. Thank you.
Zoe (to Persephone): Here you go... You sure you don't want anything else?
Persephone (to Zoe): Yes, I'm fine for right now. Thank you... Is there something wrong?
Zoe (to Persephone): Huh? No... Why would you think that?
Persephone (to Zoe): Because, you keep nervously looking at the clock.
Zoe (to Persephone): Oh... Do I? I didn't realize.
Persephone (to Zoe): It's okay, Zoe. I know, Nate & Aiden aren't here. You don't have to be all nervous & shifty. You can relax.
Zoe (to Persephone): ... Oh, right. I just don't want Nate to get in trouble for missing his curfew. That's all.
Persephone (to Zoe): Well, we'll cover for him, if need be. Alright?
Zoe (to Persephone): Oh... okay. I'm going to make some coffee.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Thank you, but tea is fine for right now.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Zoe): Oh! Um, hey. Morning. There's breakfast shit if y'all want some.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oooh, yes please!
Nathaniel (to Zoe): There's a chocolate croissant in there somewhere for you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh my god! You are the bestest!
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. And you are stupidly easy to please.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, I'm a sucker for a chocolate croissant... Poppy left a present for you in your room.
Aiden (to Persephone & Zoe): I hope we didn't worry anyone.
Persephone (to Aiden): Not at all. Aunt Poppy went grocery shopping & to run errands. Victor & Uncle Vincent are still asleep. All is fine & dandy.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Aiden): Oh. Yeah. That's, uh... Good. (to Zoe) She left a what? Why did she do that?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Come on, I'll show you. I believe she said something along the lines of she wanted you to stop looking like a bum.
Persephone (to Zoe, Nathaniel & Aiden): I'm going to go get cleaned up & packed.
Aiden (to Persephone, Zoe & Nathaniel): Oh right, I should probably do that, too.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Aiden): Oh. Yeah. See y'all later. (to Zoe) I don't look like a bum! Uh... ok. Maybe a little bit like a bum.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, that shirt you have on has a huge hole in the shoulder & grass stains... You look like a bum.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? Oh... Shit! It does! Damn it! This is like one of my only fucking shirts.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): That's what I'm trying to tell you. Poppy got you some new clothes... Open the damn bag up.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Uh... She didn't have to do that.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm fairly certain Mom didn't do it because she HAD to... I think she wanted to.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I guess so... Shit. She even got me a jacket.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... Oh my god! What are you going to do!?! No one will mistake you for a panhandler, anymore. Your reputation is ruined.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. There goes all my damn mystique and allure.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Speaking of mystique & allure...Where the fuck were you this morning? I think I have a right to know since I covered for you. And, I swear to god if you say 'out'. I will punch you in the head.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Well, I wasn't gonna until you said that. Now it's the only answer I wanna give you. Jesus! Put down the fist, woman!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Don't toy with me, Nathaniel Jones.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus. Full name and everything. You mean business. Alright. Don't get in a snit. ... I ended up going to the park. And yes, it was with Aiden, but you already fucking knew that.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Geez, don't get all huffy! I don't want to hear the gory details or anything... But, did you have a good time?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Um, heh, yeah. I did.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, that's good.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Now I just have to keep from freaking myself out, and I'm on the road to functioning like a normal human being.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): God... If only we could be so lucky.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Yeah. No shit. You seem like you're doing alright, though, aren't you? Have you had any more nightmares.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No, the nightmares seem to have subsided with the disappearance of Hiiri. Thank god... Now, I just have to deal with the other type of dreams... And , you don't want to hear about them.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. No, I really fucking don't. Thanks for covering for me this morning, shortie. Sorry if I worried you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... It's okay. That's what friends do.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright. That's enough hugging. I break out in a rash if I get too much physical affection, you know. Sweet merciful god, I need a fucking shower. Hopefully Lord and Lady Whatsit are done. You seeing Colin tonight?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... I don't know. He wants to hang out tonight but I think I need to back off a little bit.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh yeah? Is everything going OK, or is it going a little TOO OK?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): If I say yes, does it make me crazy?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No, just cautious. Heh. Someone in this family has to have some damn self-control.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, I don't want to have any self-control & that's my problem. I've got all these things in my head that make me feel much older than I am... But, I'm still only fifteen. I don't know if I'm ready for all this stuff, yet.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Well, fortunately for you, you're pretty goddamn smart.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thanks.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? I'm just calling it like I see it. I'm gonna go get cleaned up. Don't stress about it. It'll all be fine.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay... I'll get out of your way.
Several hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent, Victor, Nathaniel & Zoe): Well, sweeties, that was one of the quietest dinner I think we've ever had. Have a lot on your minds?
Vincent (to Victor, Nathaniel & Zoe): And barring that, what did you three do?
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Vincent): Nothing!
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Nothing at all. Honest. I'm just depressed.
Vincent (to Poppy): What's wrong, sweetie?
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Um, it's just boy stuff. (to Victor & Nathaniel) Run.
Victor (to Poppy, Zoe & Vincent): Why don't I excuse you lot and start on the dishes? (to Nathaniel) Give me a hand, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Oh. Uh, yeah. Sure.
Zoe: Fat Christ, boys are stupid! I sacrificed myself to the parents & they didn't even have the decency to make their escape... I need a cigarette.
Poppy (to Victor & Nathaniel): Here, let me help you boys... I'd hate for you to spend all evening doing the dishes.
Victor (to Poppy): Oh. Thank you, Mom.
Poppy (to Victor & Nathaniel): It's no trouble, sweeties.
Victor (to Poppy): Um, I do have to speak to you about something. (to Nathaniel) Could you please excuse us for a little bit?
Nathaniel (to Victor & Poppy): Um, why don't I leave y'all alone?
Poppy (to Victor): Oh, really? Is this about the fact that you want to go to school here & stay with Yoyo? (to Nathaniel) Honey, you stay right there... You & I are going to have a little chat, as well.
Victor (to Poppy): Mom! You know I hate it when you do that!
Poppy (to Victor): What, honey? It's been quite obvious.
Victor (to Poppy): That may be, but remember I asked you to let me talk even when you know what I'm going to say?
Poppy (to Victor): Oh, fine, honey... I'm sure, you know what I'm going to say, then.
Victor (to Poppy): I'm not sure. That's why I asked. What do you and Dad think?
Poppy (to Victor): Well, honey, you know we're happy with the idea of you going to school here... But, I'm a little concerned about the whole living with your girlfriend while you do it. I just worry that this is a big step & that you're both really young.
Victor (to Poppy): I know you are, but we've already been through more than most couples, haven't we? Well, except for in this family.
Poppy (to Victor): I know, honey... And, if this is what you want to do, we'll respect your decision. You're a bright boy. I just worry about you kids. (to Nathaniel) That means you, too. And don't give me that 'yeah right' look, honey. I may not have given birth to you but you're part of this family now whether you like it or not.
Victor (to Poppy): I know, Mom, and I appreciate it. We all do.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I, uh... thanks. And, um, thank you for the clothes. I can pay you back if you want.
Poppy (to Victor): Alright, my lovely son, you have kissed my bustle enough for one night. Give me some privacy with your cousin. :-) (to Nathaniel) Nate, I didn't buy you clothes expecting you to pay me back. You needed some clothes, I had the ability to get you some, so I did. That's all. I hated seeing you skulking around in that flimsy jacket & sweatshirt.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Right. Course. Thank you.
Victor (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. What can I say? I'm my father's son. Good night.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): You are very much welcome. I hope you liked the clothes & they were the right size. I had to guess… So, what's going on with you, honey? There's something different about you. You seem a bit more relaxed.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Yeah. Everything fits fine. And I--I seem more relaxed? I didn't realize...
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Yes, honey, you have been a bundle of tense nerves since you got here, but it seems to be gone... I'm not going to take a guess, as Victor constantly tells me that it's unnerving... But, if you want to talk, I'm here. No judgements, I promise.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Um, thanks. I'm not taking anything if that's what you're worried about. I'm alright. Honest.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, I didn't think that, at all. I know you're much smarter than that... Has anyone ever told you about your uncle's first girlfriend? It's a very long story, but trust me, whatever is going on with you, I won't be shocked... But, I just hope you feel comfortable enough to talk to someone, if you feel the need.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I, uh, I do. Thanks. For worrying. You don't need to, I mean, I'm OK right now. Can I ask you something kinda odd?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Of course, honey, I live for odd questions.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Do you think I ought to go back into therapy? Not for all the schizo shi---uh, stuff. I know I'm not that flavor of crazy. But for all the other stuff? I'm kinda sick of feeling like I'm constantly in attack mode, you know?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, honey, I think that's really up to you. Honestly, if you had asked me this a month ago, I would have said yes... Simply, because I had no idea how to help you with what you've been dealing with. I think you've come along way since you first arrived & if you want to see a therapist to help you work through things, I'll help you find one but it should be your decision. I'm not going to force you or make that choice.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah... Thanks. I'll think about it. I sure as shit don't wanna be put on any meds again. I didn't realize how much they numbed the fuck outta--well--EVERYTHING. I... Oh! Um, sorry. I didn't mean to cuss.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Oh, my poor ears, honey... Heh. I think I'll let it slide this time... I bet you're happy to have your little smoking hidey hole back now that Aiden & Seph have gone. Hmmm?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh, um, heh. Yeah. Kinda. Seems like every time I went out there, Aiden was skulking in the shadows. Scared the crap outta me.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh... Yes, that Aiden is a skulker from way back... I'll leave you alone & head off to bed, honey. Sweet dreams.
Nathaniel: Oh Jesus CHRIST, I need a cigarette after that shit... (to Poppy) Night, Aunt Poppy.
