Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe honey, what on earth are you doing in here so early?
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh, um, I couldn't sleep so I was making a mixed CD for Colin. Totally dorky, I know.
Poppy (to Zoe): It's not dorky, honey. It's very sweet, actually. Hmmm, maybe you should see if you can borrow deejay equipment from Mouse? Or we could get Yoyo to teach you piano? You seem to really like messing around with music, honey.
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh... I hadn't really thought about that.
Poppy (to Zoe): No pressure, honey. I'm going to go fix myself some coffee. These darn ribs are still causing me trouble.
Zoe (to Poppy): Okay. Thanks, mom.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens. Why is it so early? Why am I awake? This is inhumane. Surely there are laws against this kind of thing.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh lover, did I disturb you when I got up? I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. You know I can't sleep properly without you next to me. Why are you up so early, hun? Were your ribs bothering you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. Yes honey, my ribs were bothering me as well as my brain. The whole blacklisted thing is bothering me if truth be told.
Vincent (to Poppy): I thought it might. I suppose CLANNG is more firmly entrenched in the government than we'd like. I daresay they were a bit disappointed when we didn't show up for your "mission."
Poppy (to Vincent): That's the impression I get, lover. Now, what are we going to do? That was a major source of income... We have a horde of hungry teenagers to take care of... Maybe, I should get a job on this side? Ugh.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Perish the thought! We'll be alright for a few months more, even with all the additional mouths to feed. And we'll figure something out before then. We always do, and we've got plenty of help. It will all be fine.
Poppy (to Vincent): Ever the optimist, lover. It's one of the myriad of reasons why I love you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. My optimism, my good looks, my tight little ass... Keep going. ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. Would you take this coffee into Zoe while I make breakfast, honey? She was apparently, having trouble sleeping, too. You seem to have a much better rapport with her when it comes to getting her to open up.
Vincent (to Poppy): Can do. I'll see what I can do with Zoe if you'll check on Nate later. The boy hasn't said more than a handful of sentences since his date the other night. Heh. I think we may have been a bit spoiled with Victor, lover. He never had any problems saying EXACTLY what he thought. Sometimes quite loudly. ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, look who his parents are, honey... We're not big on subtlety. I'll take a crack at Nate. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if having Persephone here is keeping him a bit subdued... It probably makes him feel a bit weird to be enjoying his time with Aiden when that's what was the catalyst for her present incarceration.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens. Of course that's it! That's why I let you do all the thinking, lover. Let me take this into Zoe.
Poppy (to Vincent): Too pretty. :-p
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Damn straight.
A few minutes later, in Zoe's room:
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe? Hun? Your mom sent me in with coffee.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, thank you. It smells perfect.
Vincent (to Zoe): Are you alright, sweetie? Your mom said you were having trouble sleeping. Are you having nightmares again?
Zoe (to Vincent): No, it wasn't nightmares, dad. It's just typical teenager stuff mixed in with my own brand of crazy.
Vincent (to Zoe): So, then, what is it? You know you can talk to us, hun. It's not like we're not used to crazy.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, um, this is a little embarrassing... I had a dream about Colin & then it morphed into a memory of Mouse's.
Vincent (to Zoe): I'm sorry, hun. That has GOT to be all shades of awkward and confusing.
Zoe (to Vincent): Yeah, just a little.
Vincent (to Zoe): Come here, hug monster. Look at it this way, most people have had naughty dreams about the people they know at one time or another. Your's are just a bit more... vivid. And all the men in them are now old. Hee hee. I'm sorry for teasing you! I know we keep telling you this, but those memories will fade as you make your own. It takes time. I'm sorry, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know & thank you. It was just doubly weird because it was one of Colin's dads.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh heh. We are a slightly incestuous bunch, aren't we? Thank goodness Jacob and I never hooked up! Then it would be TRIPLE weird points. You'd be in therapy for years!
Zoe (to Vincent): Ewww... I do not want to think about that, dad. I thought you were trying to help me get over my nightmares. :-p
Vincent (to Zoe): I am. By giving you all new ones! :-P Not to change the subject from discussing my lack of a sex life as a young man with my *teenage daughter*, but your mom and I were wondering what you want to do about school.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh... What about it exactly?
Vincent (to Zoe): We were wondering if you wanted to go. It might be good for you to go and interact with more kids your age and make some more friends. If you want to, that is. It's totes your decision. We're not going to force you. We'll support whatever you decide.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, um, could I go to the school where Colin goes?
Vincent (to Zoe): Well, he lives in East Piedmont, not West, but if that's where you want to go, I'm sure we can pull some strings. They have a couple of magnate programs, so I'm sure we can make it work.
Zoe (to Vincent): You don't have to. I just thought it might be easier to go somewhere that I know, at least, one person. Can I think about it?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. And it doesn't hurt that the person you would know is Colin, I'm sure. Take all the time you need, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thank you, dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): You're welcome, hun.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen:
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Good morning, honey. Coffee?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Huh? Yeah. Coffee'd be good. Thanks.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Here you are... So, how are you doing, honey? You've been a bit quiet the last couple days.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. I have? Sorry. It's been kinda awkward with Seph here, and... um... I ran into my aunt the other night.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Oh, I'm sorry, honey. How are you holding up after that?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I'm OK. I didn't flip my sh--, uh, flip out or anything. Heh. Even when she accused me of being a whore. It's just... She, um, she said the cops wanted to question me. So, I'm kinda waiting. To see what happens with that. And I'm guessing my parents know where I am now.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, I can do a little digging if you like & see if this whole police thing is legitimate... And, we'll deal with your family when they come a-knockin'. It'll be fine.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I'm guessing it is. She knew about Charlie... But, it should be OK. I mean, I think it'll be OK. I didn't do anything illegal.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, you have an aunt that is a former spy, who is now under no obligations to do the right thing... I can now fix a few things for you. Give me a couple days.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Uh, OK. Aunt Poppy? Before you do any of that, um, Charlie was one of my regulars when I used to chat online to guys. When I left home, he, uh, he offered me a place to stay in New York and help getting on my feet. He never asked for anything and I never offered anything! But, he's been picked up for soliciting sex from a minor. I, um, I thought you should hear it from me rather than reading it in a file. Sorry.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, it's fine... That was the old you.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Heh. It's still the same me. I knew it was really fu--fricking stupid, but I was desperate. Desperation makes you stupid.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): I know, honey. I just think that if you were faced with the same thing, you now have much better options.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I know... Thanks.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Colin): Hey Colin, it's Zoe... Are you busy?
Colin (to Zoe): Hi! Nope. I'm trying to slog through Wuthering Heights for English class. You are SAVING me from a Bronte-related death. Heathcliff just drowned a bag full of puppies. How is this a romantic novel again?
Zoe (to Colin): I think they had a different idea of romance back then. Full of awfulness, apparently... I had a weird question for you.
Colin (to Zoe): Normal weird, or "would you like to go on a five day murder spree with me" weird? Uh... Wow. That was a REALLY bad joke.
Zoe (to Colin): ... As someone who's been on one of those it's not all its cracked up to be... Shit. I really should learn to shut up.
Colin (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Oh god! Touché! I was sure I freaked you out with that joke. I kind of like horror movies, and Da says it's warped my sense of humor beyond imagining. Actually, I kind of LOVE horror movies, and I totally have a weird sense of humor.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm not really big into horror but the odd sense of humor is fine by me... Um, how would you feel about me going to the same school as you or would that be stalker weird?
Colin (to Zoe): You're thinking about going to school here? That would be AWESOME! Do you like theater? You should join the Theater Club! The president's kind of a dick, but the rest of the group... Uh... Sorry. I mean, if you want to, that would be cool.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, I think I liked the excited response the best... I've never done any real acting before like on a stage in front of people. So, it wouldn't be weird? I mean, you'd be the only person I'd know, I wouldn't want to monopolize all of your time.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. I think I can handle seeing you a lot more. And you really should join the Drama Club. The productions are a lot of fun. And if you don't like acting, you can always build sets, or do the lighting or stuff. I think you'd be good on stage, though. There's only one problem. If you come to my school, you will quickly realize I'm not as cool as you think I am. :-P
Zoe (to Colin): Heh. I doubt anything could make me change my mind about how cool I think you are... God, I should go & let you get back to studying before I say something even dumber or dorkier.
Colin (to Zoe): You can't out dork me. I like horror movies, musicals and math, much to the never-ending shame of both my fathers. Besides, I like dorky. Dorky is cute. Especially on you. I should get back to stupid Heathcliff and stupid Katherine again, before Dad comes in & complains I have no appreciation for classics. AGAIN. I'll give you a call after school tomorrow. Do you think you can hang out later this week?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, I will definitely make time for you.
Colin (to Zoe): Cool. I'll call you later. Bye!
Zoe (to Colin): See you later!
Persephone (to Zoe): Zoe! Do you mind!?! Some of us are still trying to sleep. Why are you so bouncy, so early? It makes no sense.
Zoe (to Persephone): I'm in a good mood & I refuse to let you ruin it, Sephasaurus.
Persephone (to Zoe): Sephasaurus?
Zoe (to Persephone): Yes... I thought calling you the thunder lizard would be rude.
Victor (to Persephone & Zoe): I'm tempted to give you both swords let you finish one another off. It's far too early for this.
Persephone (to Zoe & Victor): Heehee. I'm game. What's got you in a grump, Victor my dear?
Zoe (to Persephone): Name the time & place, Miss Priss.
Victor (to Zoe & Persephone): Alright, alright. I'm sorry I mentioned it. Please don't actually kill one another.
Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): I'll leave you two alone... I refuse to let anything interrupt my good mood.
Victor (to Zoe): Bye, Zoe.
Zoe (to Victor): I'll see you later, big brother.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. (to Persephone) What? What is that face? You've got your Grunty McGee face on.
Persephone (to Victor): Yeah well, I feel like Grunty McGee... Your sister hates me.
Victor (to Persephone): She doesn't *hate* you. Give her some time to get to know you. No offense, cousin dearest, but you have made some massively amazing decisions lately. It does not the best first impression make. If it makes you feel any better about it, Nate has only recently moved from loathing me to tolerating me, and he and Zoe are the best of friends.
Persephone (to Victor): Well, I guess I'll have to try to be better if everyone keeps yelling at me like this... So, what's with you?
Victor (to Persephone): If I want to go to school here, I have to take all these tests before my admission can even be considered. I've been studying for two days and my brain feels like cold oatmeal.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh... So, you've decided that you're going to stay here?
Victor (to Persephone): Not forever. Just for now. Mom & Yoyo have been blacklisted at the ISS, CLANNG wants to kill my mother, father and sister, and dissect me... There aren't many other options at the moment.
Persephone (to Victor): I know, I just miss you.
Victor (to Persephone): Is it me, or the adventure you miss? You were perfectly willing to run off the the Colonies with some man you didn't love, and when that fell through, run off the Percy to God only knows where. What's really going on, Seph? This has all been insane, even by our standards.
Persephone (to Victor): I've been feeling trapped. I had been running the inn while Mam has been suffering with morning sickness & it was making me crazy. I saw my future and life plotted out before my very eyes & it horrified me. I don't want to be an innkeeper. I've never wanted to be one. But, it feels like it doesn't matter what I want. And yes, I do actually miss you, not just the adventure. If you had been there with me, I could have talked to you about what I was feeling. Instead, I only had stupid girls to talk to & they all told me I should just do what was expected of me & be a dutiful daughter. So, I ran with the first idea that came to me.
Victor (to Persephone): I'm sorry, Seph. And I didn't mean it. I know you missed me. I've missed you too. Dad said you're going to be running cargo with him while I'm in school. Is that true?
Persephone (to Victor): I hope so. You know, I really love doing that stuff. I don't even mind doing all of the hard work on the airship. There's nothing better. I just hope that my parents will let me.
Victor (to Persephone): They will. They keep hoping you're going to do something safe and sensible, but you're WAY too much like your dad for that. They know what you want to do, Seph, and even if they complain and fret and worry, I think they'll let you Why else would they let my mom and dad teach you massive amounts of pirate stuff?
Persephone (to Victor): Because I nagged & begged them until they caved?
Victor (to Persephone): They didn't have to say yes, you know. They know this is coming. Why do you think they've been trying so hard to get you to behave? My parents have shown up at the Inn in a bad way more than a few times. They're going to worry.
Persephone (to Victor): I know.
A few hours later:
Aiden: Wow, the art in this gallery is strangely intriguing... This wandering around like a tourist is getting to me. I need to find something else to occupy myself soon.
Fiona (to Aiden): You know this piece is about sex, don't you, me favorite little malformation? Didn't think you'd go in for that sort of thing
Aiden (to Fiona): McGillivray? What are you doing here?
Fiona (to Aiden): Is it paintings that do it for you then? Don't look down at your nose at me, little lord. I've never seen you so much as bat an eye at man, woman nor beast. ... FINE. If you want to talk shop, let's talk shop. I'm here looking for you, lovely. I'm guessing you've been blacklisted as well.
Aiden (to Fiona): First off, I like the artist's use of color & the brush strokes are quite fascinating... very precise. I wasn't interested in the subject matter... Plus, judging by the layers visible on the edge, this is the 3rd painting on this canvas. And I wouldn't be surprised if there's an actual masterpiece hidden under there... And, yes, I'm out in the cold as it were. So, why exactly are you here?
Fiona (to Aiden): And, once again, you've missed the most interesting part of the piece, laddie. Good God... I've been blacklisted myself. Apparently, my wee former bunkmate's assassination attempt angered some very muckities amongst the high muckity mucks. And they didn't appreciate my contribution to the matter. I don't suppose you know what happened to her and her fluffy lad?
Aiden (to Fiona): As far as I know, they're fine. They weren't meant to take the mission. It was a trap meant for the Magpie. There seems to be a rash of blacklisted agents suddenly. Were you one of her students?
Fiona (to Aiden): Really, now? Well, that makes sense. No, I wasn't one of her students, but I gave Yoyo the schematics for Director Carver's airship. I think they were about to permanently blacklist me if you catch my drift. They came to my front door. Daft buggers. As fascinating as this art appreciation seminar has been, you and the Magpie aren't the only agents shivering their arses off in the cold who don't like this recent turn of events. If we make a move, do you want in, Longshanks?
Aiden (to Fiona): Yes, I do and I'm fairly certain Kobayashi will want in, too.
Fiona (to Aiden): Splendid. Are you sure want to say yes, lovely? This is field work a bit different than your pay grade.
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh... Would you rather I said no? I would think you'd need a strategist or analyst for any plan, but if you'd rather I stay behind, I'm sure I can find out what's going on by myself.
Fiona (to Aiden): Nope. I'm just making sure you're a solid yes, lad. Before I go, what has changed with you, Wilkes?
Aiden (to Fiona): I have no idea what you're referring to.
Fiona (to Aiden): Mmm. Don't believe I've ever seen you blush before, lad. Best practice that lie a bit more before you tell it to someone else. I'll be in touch, Aiden. Enjoy your dirty paintings and whatever it is not making you different.
Aiden (to Fiona): I'd tell you where to find me, but I have a feeling you'll know how. See you later, Fiona.
Fiona (to Aiden): What good would I be if I couldn't? Toodles!
Aiden: ... And, people think I'm odd.
A little while later, at Renfield's:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. What can I get... Oh! Hey! I didn't realize that was you at first. What are you up to?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Sorry to surprise you. I've been wandering around town exploring & I needed something to eat.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It wasn't a complaint. I don't mind seeing you. What do you want?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, um, the quiche & salad special sounds nice... and a cup of earl grey tea, would be perfect. Thank you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Twist of lemon and a drizzle of honey, right? Got it. I'll have your tea out in a sec. Have a seat.
A couple minutes later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Thank you. Are you here for much longer?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Why? You looking to pick me up after work? ... Heh. That was a joke. I'm off in a little bit. Why do you ask?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Honestly? I missed seeing you & was hoping you might be interested in going for a walk or something.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah? I'd like that. Do you mind hanging out until I get off?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, I'll grab something to read & hide out in a corner. Just grab me when you're done.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Sounds good. Lemme know if you need anything else.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Nate? After that last order, we are now officially done with quiche for the night... Ooo, who's the tall drink of water over there?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Got it. Oh. Heh. That's Aiden. He's, um, he's waiting for me. To get done with work, I mean. We were gonna go for a walk.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heehee... Well bravo, Mister Jones. I can see why you like him... and why Mars hated him staying with her & Yoyo. :-P If you want to get out of here early, I'll let you... Just stock up and then you can go... if you want to go, that is.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Jesus... That's, um, that's not embarrassing. I'd like to get off early, if that's OK. I'll go get everything stocked.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heh, it's okay... And, remember tomorrow we begin your cooking lessons.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Yep. I remembered.
Fifteen minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I'm all finished. Unless you want me to do something else before I go, I'll see you stupid early tomorrow.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): No, you're free to go... and make it 11am, I have a feeling that I'm going to want to sleep in tomorrow morning.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Um, heh. Thanks, Emma. I'll see you tomorrow.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): See you then.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. I got off early. Are you ready to go, or did you want to finish up?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. I'm sorry. I got distracted by this book. I think I'm done. It was very good. There was a flavor I couldn't quite place in the quiche, slightly tangy... I liked it... Sorry. We can go now.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You can ask the boss lady if you want. I don't learn how to cook until tomorrow. Heh. Well, that's the theory anyway. We'll see how it goes. Let's go.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, that's okay. I think I can live without knowing... but, I'll let you know if I change my mind. :-P So, you'll be able to start making dinner for us? That'll be nice. I'll have to get a place with a kitchen.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? Heh heh. Hold up. You don't know that I can cook yet. Can't you cook? I don't mean like seven course meals, I just mean like dinner and shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Not really, I can make tea, toast & poached eggs but other than that I haven't had much cause to learn. I'm sure I can figure it out if need be... Honestly, how hard can it be? I apologize. I didn't mean for that to sound condescending or anything. I just assumed I could follow a recipe.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. It's alright. I'm sure you can, but everything you make is gonna be kinda boring.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? Well then, clearly I'll starve. :-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. We can't have that, can we?
A short time later, on the streets of West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): So, what do you wanna do besides wander around and, um, hold my hand?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry. Is holding your hand weird?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No! No. It's not weird, just... Heh. It's unexpected, I guess.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. So, do you want to walk home or to my place? We could watch a movie & just relax.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I wouldn't mind hanging out with you for a while. If you don't mind me reeking like coffee.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I think I could deal with the smell. I actually kind of like it... Besides, there's a shower in my room if you need it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Oh. Um, right. There's a shower... Sorry. What?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Are you okay? You seem distracted.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, yeah. I'm fine. I was just thinking of something else ...and the shower.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? Care to share or are you just going to make me guess?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh god, no. No, no, no. Ignore me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright, I'll stop asking... Will you pick out a movie? I grabbed us some things to drink while I was out earlier. I've got stout, soda or water.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Sure. Sorry. It was just... You said shower, and your room, and my brain put those together and took it, um, elsewhere. I'll just have a soda, thanks. I don't really drink anymore. You have a really odd collection of movies here.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Here you go. I hope you don't mind if I drink a beer... So, is this whole slowing it down thing driving you as crazy as much as it is me?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't mind if you drink. And YES. This is driving me fucking *insane*. Not that I mind spending time with you, I mean. Cause I don't! I've enjoyed it. It's just, uh, frustrating.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Can we just say fuck it, then? What? I do swear on occasion.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. So I see. And here I thought I was a bad influence on you. I would LOVE to say fuck it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Good, come here... I've been wanting to kiss you all night.
An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Vincent): Dad? Are you busy?
Vincent (to Zoe): I've always got time for you, kiddo. What's up?
Zoe (to Vincent): I did some thinking about the school thing we talked about earlier & I'd like to give it a try with two conditions. First, that if I don't like it, it's alright if I stop going & just get my GED & secondly, I want to go to the school where Colin goes in East Piedmont. I know it's a magnate school & I'll need to take a bunch of tests, but I think I can pass them easily. You & Mom are right, I do need to interact with kids my own age. And, I need to be my own person. I think this will help.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. I know you can pass them easily. I want to talk to your mother, of course, but I don't think either will be a problem. And, honestly, I'll feel better if you're going to a school where you know someone.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thank you, Dad... Do you think it would be okay if I called & told Colin or is it too late for that sorta thing?
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. I'm sure it's fine. Just don't stay on the phone with him all night.
Zoe (to Vincent): Okay. Thank you again... See? My hugs are getting less dangerous. I'm learning.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. She CAN be taught! I don't mind your killer hugs, you monster. Go. Call that cute boy you're swooning over. :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): I'm not swooning... Okay, maybe a little. I'll go call him now.
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Colin): Hi Colin? I hope I'm not calling too late.
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! Nope. I'm kind of a night owl. What's up?
Zoe (to Colin): Ummm, it looks like my mom & dad are going to see about getting me into your school. I was kinda excited & wanted to tell you. I'm going to have to take tests & figure out some things, like transportation and if they'll even take me, so you have time to tell me if you think it's stupid or a bad idea. I mean, a theatre geek with a weirdo goth girlfriend isn't going to help your cool points, any. :-P
Colin (to Zoe): Oh no! Now I'll never be Prom King! All my high school hopes and dreams lie dead at my feet.
Zoe (to Colin): ... I totally just referred to myself as your girlfriend, didn't I? I'm sorry. That was soooo dumb of me. I-- I just meant friend that's a girl, not you know, the other thing. Shit. I'm not making this any better.
Colin (to Zoe): I wouldn't mind if you were my girlfriend. I like hanging out with you, and I'm not really interested in dating anyone else. Oh. Unless, you wanted to see other people. I mean, I'm OK with that. Well, not ENTIRELY OK. I will totally pout, but if I can con you into the Theater Club with me, I can monopolize all your attention until Stockholm Syndrome sets in. Ohhhh. Wait. Was that creepy? That was kind of a Creepy Guy thing to say, wasn't it?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee... I don't want to see anyone else. Wouldn't I have to be a hostage for Stockholm Syndrome to kick in or is that the plan? Or is the "Theatre Club" code for a room in a basement with a chair & a TV? :-P
Colin (to Zoe): No, no, no. That's the math club.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh, good... Um, are you somewhere alone?
Colin (to Zoe): Yep. I'm in my bedroom. Brigid and Sean are over at my grandparents. My folks went to a movie for "date night." Why? Are you going to ask me what I'm wearing? :-P
Zoe (to Colin): No, I'm about to do something mildly stupid... Ummm, hold on a sec.
A moment later, Colin's bedroom, Robert & Jacob's house, East Piedmont:
Zoe (to Colin): Oof... Ooh, the look on your face is priceless.
Colin (to Zoe): How did you... What... I... This is a dream. I would have thought you'd be wearing something sexier than a baggy sweater. Ow! Hey! I was just kidding! What--what just happened?
Zoe (to Colin): I-- I uh skipped through a portal. I'm sorry. I thought you knew about this kinda stuff. I shouldn't have done this... I'm going to be in so much trouble... And, for your information, I have a tank top under this sweater, not that it matters.
Colin (to Zoe): Wait. Zoe, wait! What do you mean you skipped through a portal? Like... Like in Da's books? I wish you would have mentioned you were coming over. I, heh, I would have been wearing less embarrassing pajama pants...
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, like in your Dad's books. It's very rare, but there are a few people who can do it. I happen to be one of them. I just wanted to see you alone... But I'm sorry, I should go back.
Colin (to Zoe): I KNEW it! I mean, I didn't, but OH MY GOD, so much weird shit from my childhood just started making a whole lot of sense. And... Do you really have to go? I have, no hyperbole here, a MILLION questions. Or, we could skip all that... Why did you want to see me alone?
Zoe (to Colin): ... Oh, it was because I wanted to kiss you & now, seemed as good a time as any.
Colin (to Zoe): Now seems like a REALLY good time. The questions can wait. Unless, these pants have made you reconsider...
Zoe (to Colin): I don't know. I kinda like the teddy bears on them... A man has to be pretty confident to wear pants like that...
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Or a sucker for softy, fuzzy pajama pants. I think Dad got them as a gag gift from one of his editors. I stole them. Mock me if you must, but I sleep in comfort.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm not mocking. I'm actually quite jealous of you & would steal them if I could. :-p
Colin (to Zoe): Hey now! Keep your grubby hands off my pants. That, uh, that didn't come out right. I didn't mean that I thought you were... Oh hell. Can I kiss you and keep my stupid mouth from running?
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, please...
A little while later:
Zoe (to Colin): ... Oh. Wow. That was better than the first one. I should go before I do something even dumber then skipping here.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah... So, um, girlfriend of mine, later in the week, after school, do you want to get dinner or some coffee? Yes, right? Please, yes?
Zoe (to Colin): Oh, it's yes... Definitely yes. Can I ask you a personal question before I go?
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah. Sure.
Zoe (to Colin): Have you had a girlfriend before? It's not a big deal if you have. I was just curious.
Colin (to Zoe): Kind of? Last year, I went to summer camp, and me and this girl Sandra we kind of dating, I suppose. If by "dating," you mean we snuck out of our cabins, hung out on the playground, held hands and kissed. It didn't really last once we went home. I've gone on a couple of dates, but never much more than that. Strangely, I have this habit of saying something weird, and creeping girls out. I know it's REALLY hard to believe. Have you had a boyfriend before?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, I know a lot about creepy & you're not creepy. I'm sorry to ask about past girlfriends. It's just, well, I have weird memories in my brain & no actual experience with dating. So, no I've never had a boyfriend before.
Colin (to Zoe): I don't mind if you don't have any dating experience. You'll never notice when I do something really stupid. "Yes, Zoe. I'm COMPLETELY sure it's a Super Awesome Date when we go to the comic store & spend all afternoon reading comics." "Yes, Zoe. Guys in teddy bear pajama pants ARE the coolest boyfriends. Trust me. I've got experience with this stuff."
Zoe (to Colin): Ummm, is it wrong that I think a trip to the comic book shop would be an awesome date & that my boyfriend in teddy bear pjs is the coolest. Though he'd be much better out of them. Shit. That was really inappropriate. I'm so sorry. I should go now.
Colin (to Zoe): Uh... I... Um. Wow. WOW. That, uh, heh, heh, heh... That was... That was something. I'm speechless. This has NEVER happened.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm sorry. I'm a bit of an idiot & messed in the head.
Colin (to Zoe): Don't be. Heh. I should wear these pants around you ALL THE TIME. I'm clearly irresistible in them. I don't think you're an idiot. Really. You *just* got adopted and before that, you were living on the streets, right? It's gonna take some time for you to get adjusted to everything. Don't worry about it. Besides, my cute-ass girlfriend just told me she wants to go on a date to the comic book store and that she thinks I'd look good naked. Heh. NOT A PROBLEM.
Zoe (to Colin): You are something else, Colin... Thank you for being so patient & understanding with me.
Colin (to Zoe): I have an ulterior motive, you know. I like you, and want you to like me. Especially if you'll keep letting me kiss you. :-P Crap. You, um, you should probably head home. My folks will be getting back soon. I don't think they'll be feeling all that patient and understanding if they find you in my room.
Zoe (to Colin): Right! I should. Heh. I was distracted by thoughts of kissing you some more. I'll see you later!
Colin (to Zoe): Wait! Just a quick one, then. Right... See you later. Bye!
Zoe (to Colin): Bye, sexy boyfriend of mine!
Colin: Wow. I really hope tonight wasn't a dream...
