Victor (to Aiden): Well? Are we being followed?
Aiden (to Victor): No. I think we lost them.
Victor (to Aiden): Oh thank heavens! In all honestly, Aiden, are you TRYING to get us killed? Because there are easier ways to do it!
Aiden (to Victor): All I did was ask that man a question. I had no idea that he was going to respond so violently.
Victor (to Aiden): They're PIRATES and under no societal code to be civil. What possessed you to ask about the mental stability of his wife?
Aiden (to Victor): The tattoo on his arm for one, it said 'Crazy in Love'... with what I could only assume was a picture of his wife's face. Secondly, he had three ladies of the evening sitting on his lap... I thought it was a reasonable question.
Victor (to Aiden): No. No, it wasn't. You're not that stupid, nor can you POSSIBLY be that easily shocked; you worked at the ISS. So, why is it that every single bloody time we're faced with something mildly uncomfortable or disreputable, you act like a deeply offended aristocrat?
Aiden (to Victor): ... Possibly, because that's how I was making contact with your mother... In the midst of the fight, I slipped a message to one of our contacts who's relaying the message to her, as we speak... I'm not really that easily offended.
Victor (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! I was wondering. Good heavens. I didn't think you could be working with all those spies for that long. And that was a TERRIBLE tattoo. Next time, please let me know that's what you're doing.
Aiden (to Victor): Fair enough. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure who my contact was and that was the easiest way to get them to come to me.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh. I won't waste so much time sputtering at you.
Aiden (to Victor): I assure you I don't make a habit of getting into fights for no reason. I know I may be bad with people but I'm not that bad
Victor (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! I should hope not. It would be a miracle you survived this long if so. I'm sorry I assumed otherwise.
Aiden (to Victor): It was nothing, Victor, I needed you to react the way you did. I promise I'll warn you next time.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh. Thanks. I can lie, you know. I don't make a habit of it, there's no point in my family, but I can do it perfectly well.
Aiden (to Victor): I didn't need you to lie, Victor. I needed the right look of exasperation & shock on your face. It's a very good distraction.
Victor (to Aiden): I honestly wish that was the first time anyone has ever said that to me.
Aiden (to Victor): Fair enough... Should we get back to the dock & get the cargo loaded?
Victor (to Aiden): May as well. We've only got one more delivery, don't we?
Aiden (to Victor): Yes... And, we received word that the Bleak Prince is docking in Costa Rica to make repairs. Yes, it doesn't normally go that route but there was apparently a VIP aboard.
Victor (to Aiden): Oh. Well, that is certainly a coincidence, isn't it?
Aiden (to Victor): Not at all. I just happen to know there's a certain young lady aboard that you might want to see.
Victor (to Aiden): Well, please let me know if you plan on pissing off any members of the Bleak House. I will be in another reality when you do it. Heh. Dammit, Aiden! I'm trying to pretend I don't know that so you'll have some plausible deniability here.
Aiden (to Victor): Look, if we're going to be partners for awhile, Victor. We should be able to trust one another & watch each other's back. And, I've worked with Kobayashi for quite some time, I know how her mind works.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh heh. Fair enough. Yes, Yoyo and I planned to try to "accidentally" run into one another in neutral ports. If we could manage it without putting her in danger or blowing her cover, of course. I know it's a bit foolish, but who knows how long it will be until I can see her again? Or even talk to her?
Aiden (to Victor): I understand... And, I'll help you wherever I can.
Victor (to Aiden): Thank you.
Meanwhile, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Timothy (to Oliver): Excuse me, can I get a small coffee for here?
Oliver (to Timothy): Of course. Would you like me to leave room for cream?
Timothy (to Oliver): Yes, please.
Oliver (to Timothy): Here you are. Let me know if you need anything else.
Timothy: Okay, you can do this, Tim. Just pick up the phone and call Nate. Of course, he's going to want to see you. This is a damn romantic gesture. (to Oliver) Thank you. (to Nathaniel) ... Um, hi Nate?
Nathaniel (to Timothy): ... shit. Tim? I... I can't talk now. I'm at work.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. I'm in town sitting at a café so, just call me back when you get a chance.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Yeah, I... Wait. You're in town? WHICH town? What the... No. No, I CANNOT get into this right now. I'll... I'll something. Bye.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Nate? Wait... Damn it.
Nathaniel: Why the fuck did I pick up the phone? Why do I DO that? (to Oliver) Hey. Cookies. I've got brownies coming out in... Fuck me running.
Oliver (to Nathaniel): What's the matter? Nate?
Nathaniel: God's hairy fucking balls! What the fuck is he doing here? WHY the fuck is he... (to River) What!?!
River (to Nathaniel): ... Are you okay? You seem angrier than usual.
Nathaniel (to River): No! I'm not even in the same fucking hemisphere as O-fucking-kay! Can you take these goddamn brownies out to Oliver... Ouch! Shit. When they cool, can you take these brownies out to Oliver?
River (to Nathaniel): ... Yeah sure. Go sit in Emma's office & calm down.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah... Thanks.
An hour or so later:
River (to Oliver): Here's the brownies. Muffins are on their way. Nate's taking a bit of a break, so let me know if you need anything else up here.
Oliver (to River): Thank you. Is he alright? What happened?
River (to Oliver): I don't have a frickin' clue. I'm going to go check on him. (to Nathaniel) Nate? Are you alright? Is there anything I can do?
Nathaniel (to River): Shit! I'm fine. I'm... I'm better than I fucking look. Emotional outbursts are still kinda... Doesn't matter. Is, uh, is that blonde guy still sitting out there? Bout my age?
River (to Nathaniel): Yeah. He's been nursing a cup of coffee & reading a book for awhile... Who is he?
Nathaniel (to River): His name is Timothy. He's my fucking ex... Christ. What the fuck is he doing here?
River (to Nathaniel): I would guess looking for you.
Nathaniel (to River): But WHY? One, he fucking dumped me? Two, when I tried to call him or text him to let him know I wasn't strung out, in a hospital or dead in a fucking ditch, he hung up on me and told me to stop contacting him... Christ. He waits, what, four-five damn months after I've left Oxford to suddenly give a fuck about what happened to me?
River (to Nathaniel): I don't know... Maybe, you should be asking him & not me. Do you want me to kick him out?
Nathaniel (to River): ... No. I don't wanna cause a scene, and I'm not sure if he knows I work here or not. Speaking of which, I should get back fucking to it.
River (to Nathaniel): You know, if you want to get out of here and head home. I can cover for you & explain to Emma.
Nathaniel (to River): No, I... Fuck. I know this makes me sound like a total fucking wuss, but yeah. If you don't mind. Thank you.
River (to Nathaniel): It's the least I could fucking do. Get some rest.
Timothy (to Oliver): Hi again. Can I get a refill? ... And, I know this might be a weird question but, have you seen this guy around here?
Oliver (to Timothy): Who? Nate? He works as a baker. Do you know him?
Timothy (to Oliver): Yeah. I know him. Wait... He works here? Fuck. I've been looking for him all over town.
Oliver (to Timothy): Oh. Yes. I'll see if he's here.
Timothy (to Oliver): Really? Thanks.
A moment later:
Oliver (to River): Is Nate still here? There's a young man up front looking for him.
River (to Oliver): I told him to go home. He was looking rough. Here's the muffins. Don't tell that guy anything. Just tell him you're sorry but you just missed him. That's Nate's ex from Mississippi.
Oliver (to River): Oh dear... I'm afraid I already mentioned Nate works here. I'll go get rid of him.
A minute later:
Oliver (to Timothy): I'm sorry. You just missed him. I'll tell him you stopped by next time we work together. What was your name again?
Timothy (to Oliver): Oh. Thanks. It's Tim... I guess I'll go.
Oliver (to Timothy): Have a nice day!
A short time later, outside Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Nate, seriously? I know you left work cuz of me. I know you're mad, but I came a long fucking way to see you.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Yeah. Why did you do that five months later instead of just, I dunno, picking up the goddamn phone when I called?
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Maybe, because I was fucking upset & a bit pissed... I fucking got expelled from school and lost my job because your Dad caused a row. Apparently I will contaminate the souls of good Christian folks with my heathen ways. Look what I did to his youngest son. So, yeah I was a bit pissed... I'm sorry. But, I fucking missed you & I'm sorry I was such a dick about, well, everything.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Yeah... Like ANYONE in that fucking town believes you fucking corrupted me. Sorry you got expelled.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): I kept fucking hoping you would come back, and when you didn't I came looking for you.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Why to convince me to "head home" like a good kid? Why the fuck would I do that? I am NOT going back there.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): No... I want you to come with me to New York. You know, like, how we always talked about.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): You got into school?
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I've got a small studio apartment lined up right off campus. Will you at least let me talk to you face to face?
Nathaniel (to Timothy): ... Fine. There's a park by the river a few blocks away from the coffeehouse. Do you know where it is?
Timothy (to Nathaniel): I think so. I've got a map.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): I'll meet you there in like five minutes, alright?
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Okay, I'll see you then.
Nathaniel: What the fuck am I doing?
A short time later, at the park, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Hey. Don't... Just... Just don't.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): ... I'm sorry. I just missed you... You--You're looking good.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Yeah. Thanks. You too. Tim, I... Look, I'm not gonna go to New York with you. I'm glad you're getting the fuck outta Oxford, I REALLY am--fuck that place--but, I kinda got the start of a life here, you know?
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Well, we can just stay here then. I mean, it's not New York, but we'd be together. I could apply to the school here. I was looking at the brochure. They have a pretty good music & early admissions programs. It shouldn't be too hard for me to get in. I mean, I fucking got accepted to the Paltrow. I think the Piedmont should be willing.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Jesus... There's no "us." You fucking dumped me, remember? Did you seriously think you could show up outta fucking nowhere, and I'd throw myself back at your feet? I've got a boyfriend, for one thing. You know what that all felt like from my end? That I got dumped because I would flirt with lonely guys for money, but I wouldn't fuck you. And then when my dad found out about us, he was gonna ship me off to one of Grandpa's fucking camps.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. I-- I didn't think you were going to throw yourself at my feet. I just thought you might have missed me as much as I missed you. I realized that I had overreacted about your job & then, everything fell apart... I shouldn't have assumed you'd be happy to see me. I'm sorry. I'll just go.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Tim. TIM! Wait a sec, OK? Just... Wait a second. I'm sorry. I didn't know, OK? I just thought... No one cared. I'm sorry. And yeah, I missed you. At first. So fucking much. But after a while, you were just one more person who didn't really give a shit what had happened to me until it suited you. So... Yeah.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): You still don't fucking get it, do you? I was in love with you & it hurt to see that you thought that all you had to offer anyone was your body... I didn't care that we weren't having sex. I cared that you seemed to think you were worthless. And I know I fucked up about not contacting you, but I couldn't. I was practically under house arrest at home. My parents didn't want me talking to you & confiscated my phone and computer after the first time you called. I wrote a bunch of letters but I had nowhere to fucking mail them. They're in my bag, if you want to see. But, it doesn't fucking matter, now does it? You've apparently moved on.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't know. I thought you didn't care either, OK? But the me you knew? It was a fucking lie... I'm a bigger mess than you thought. Sorry.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Come on, give me a little fucking credit, Nate. Why do you think I was being so patient? I knew you were a mess & that you didn't want me to know... I know I can be fucking dense & a jackass sometimes but I'm not an idiot... I'm sorry I bothered you...
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Yeah. Bye, Tim. Good luck in New York.
Timothy (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, that doesn't really make it hurt any less... Goodbye, Nate… One last thing before I go...
Nathaniel (to Timothy): Tim! What the fuck are you...
Timothy (to Nathaniel): ... I just had to have one last kiss. I won't bother you again while I'm here. I'm staying at the hostel & my train for New York leaves tomorrow. This is my address in New York, if you change your mind. I love you, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Timothy): ...Yeah.
An hour or so later:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey, funny running into you here. Am I going to have to find a new fucking quiet spot? ... I'm just kidding. What's with you?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Tim showed up. Looking for me. Said he missed me and that he was in love with me.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh... Fuck me. How you holding up?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): You mean besides feeling like the world's biggest douche bag?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Wait. Isn't this the fucking jackass that dumped you & then wouldn't return your calls?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Said his parents confiscated his phone and computer and that my dad got him expelled from school and fired.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): God, no offense but your dad sounds like a dick.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): No offense taken. My dad IS a dick. Blamed me for what I was, blamed Tim... And yeah. It fucking sucks.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... And, so all this time you thought he had abandoned you. He was just dealing with bullshit, too... I'm sorry, Nate. That really fucking sucks. Something else clearly happened... I know all that's a lot to digest. But, what's got you sitting here all deep in thought?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): What? My ex showing up and telling me he's in love with me isn't enough? Seriously?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... I just assumed you told him you were with someone & he went on his fucking way, right? You know, "Oh, that's nice but I'm with someone now. Have a nice life." Or is this making you rethink the whole you & Aiden thing?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Calm down. I told him I wasn't gonna go to New York with him and that I was with someone else. And I don't know what I think... I wasn't in love with Tim. I know that. But, everything I thought about our relationship was apparently fucking bullshit. ... And he kissed me before he left.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh... Did you kiss him back?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): What? I... I mean... Um. Fuck. Yeah. Which I wasn't expecting.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well now, all of this makes sense. At least, why you're sitting here all pensive looking... You still have feelings for him but you also have feelings for Aiden... That's quite a fucking predicament.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. God, I don't even know what the fuck to say...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, if you weren't with Aiden, would you want to get back together with Tim? First answer that comes to your mind. Don't think about it too much.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I don't know. I think... No. I don't think I'd wanna. It's just... He said he knew I was trying not to let him know how fucked up I was, and that's why he was being so patient with me. But, he still didn't know *me* very well, you know? We were both a couple of queer kids from Butt-fuck, Mississippi. We might've been OK for a while later after he got in school but I dunno how much longer after that. I don't know... I'd rather take a chance with someone who knew what I was like from the beginning. Not that being with Aiden's easier. He doesn't even come from this fucking reality.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... I'm not sure if you've noticed this, but love and sense do not seem to go hand in hand. So, if you know, you don't want to be with Tim anymore, why so grumpy? Just because you kissed him back? I mean it's just a fucking kiss. Unless, you ripped off his clothing or did something more serious, I think you can stop beating yourself up.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. No. We both managed to stay clothed. Sorry, it's just... I thought I had all this fucking sorted in my head, you know? Speaking of exes, how're things going with River? Your mom was threatening to talk to you the other day.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah... she fucking did. She told me that while she respects my privacy & my need to be my own person, if I ever keep things like a relationship that lasts longer than a month a secret from her, I will be in very big trouble. And, then she said that if River & I start dating again, we have to come to a family dinner, at least once a month. She also promised that she won't be weird to him at work, but that I may want to talk to Lisabeth because she can't afford to keep replacing cookware... It was fucking painful. Dad just sat there smoking & grinning to himself the whole time. He thought it was hysterical, I could tell.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): He thought it was funny? Seriously?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): That or he was secretly thinking about strangling me in my sleep... I'm kidding. He was just really quiet the whole time. I'll probably get an earful from him later.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Probably. Your dad seems alright, though...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): He is. I think my dad is awesome. Hell, I actually like both of my parents. I lucked out.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I can't believe my dad got Tim fucking expelled. Oh. No. Wait. Yes I can. Christ...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, that was a real fucking dick move.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah, well, he blamed me liking boys on being crazy, and then me for "seducing" an adult, and then for getting myself raped, so I guess it's not shocking that when I took off he blamed Tim. He told me all the time I was his "trial." Whatever. Sorry. I don't mean to bitch at you. I still feel like a dick.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey, no worries... The least I could do since I need to tell you something important... The triptych is going to be the centerpiece in my gallery show next month. It's a four artist show featuring "rising stars".
Nathaniel (to Marlena): What? Seriously? Holy shit! Wow. That's fucking amazing. Was it that gallery where you had the meeting?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): No, it was a different one. This a new gallery being opened by a pair of recent graduates. They want to specialize in new & unknown artists. Our show is going to be their first. It's very exciting.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Color me fucking impressed, Stretch. So, what's up? You need me to sign a release or something or did you just wanna brag?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well yeah, I do need you to fill out a release form but I also wanted to let you know that if I sell them, I want to give you a percentage.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): You what? Oh. Um, I dunno if I feel right taking a percentage. I mean, you did all the fucking work.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I know, but it's you & I wouldn't feel right. Besides, it's a fucking moot point until there's an actual sale. But, I just want you to know.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah. We can argue about it then. Somebody's gonna have to wanna a shirtless painting of me in their living room first.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I think when you see the finished triptych, you'll be impressed... Speaking of which, I should get home.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Alright. See you later. Thanks for listening to me bitch. And sorry you had to listen to me bitch.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. That's what friends are for... I'll see you later.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Later.
A few hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Vincent): Greetings Captain Potter, is Nate home?
Vincent (to Aiden): Hello, Aiden. No, he's not, actually. He should have been home a couple of hours ago. Is my son with you?
Aiden (to Vincent): No, he had a few things left to do back on the airship. But, he'll be back soon.
Vincent (to Aiden): Mmmhmm. I see. Well, you can either keep me company and wait for him to come back or you can use that locator bracelet you're wearing to go and find him. I'd check the part first if I were you. He's been moping about since you've been gone like a kicked dog.
Aiden (to Vincent): I know I could hunt him down but I thought it best to come here & wait... Kobayashi has completed her mission earlier than expected & Victor was planning on taking her back to the bunker.
Vincent (to Aiden): Really? Is everything alright?
Aiden (to Vincent): Yes, it went perfectly. One of the Bleak House board members took an unexpected trip via the Bleak Prince, she was able to make contact & pass on Poppy's offer & message. They agreed.
Vincent (to Aiden): Well, that's excellent. I'm sure Victor is thrilled, just as I'm equally sure he's taking her directly to the bunker ASAP.
Aiden (to Vincent): Well, they were in Costa Rica so it could be a little while.
Vincent (to Aiden): Heh. Yes. I'm sure. If only my son could open portals whenever he wanted. Poor lost souls. It will take them forever.
Aiden (to Vincent): Heh... Fair enough.
Vincent (to Aiden): Speaking of which. It sounds like Nate is home. I'll just go start dinner, shall I?
Aiden (to Vincent): Thank you.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Hey, Uncle Vincent. I'm not really hungry. Today was a weird fucking day. I'm just gonna go lay down. Oh. Um, sorry. I mean... Sorry. I'll see you later. I... (to Aiden) Aiden?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Hi there. Sorry to surprise you but Victor & Kobayashi needed some privacy so I came here to see you. I hope you don't mind.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. Um, no. Not at all. Where's my uncle?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): He's in the kitchen, making dinner... Do you want me to leave, Nate? I don't mind.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. No, please don't. I just had... I've had a really strange day. And I... Sorry. Please don't leave.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, well then, I'm yours to command... Would you like to talk about your weird day?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... um... Tim showed up. Looking for me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh... Is this where you tell me that it has been grand & that it's time to say goodbye?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? No! Don't be stupid. I told him I was seeing someone else. We said goodbye, and he, um, I mean, we kissed. I--I feel like an ass. He said he was in love with me. I didn't know that...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know what I should say...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Jesus God. I'm sorry. You don't have to stay if you don't wanna see me right now...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I'm not upset about the kiss... I'm actually elated that you chose me over your ex. You did choose me, right?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, yeah. I mean, I don't know how the fuck we're gonna make this work, cause I'm... I'm you know, and you're a lord or some shit, and we're not even from the same reality or anything, but I, I dunno, I wanted to give us a chance, you know? And you already know more about me that Tim did, and I...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Nate, sometimes you talk too much.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... yeah. Yeah, I do.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Look, I know it's going to be tricky & there will be complications in our relationship that normal couples don't have but I think you're worth it...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I think you're worth it too. I'm sorry... God, I'm glad to see you!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm glad to see you, too.
Vincent (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Whoops! Excuse me. Aiden, do you want to stay for dinner? We're having meatloaf and potatoes.
Aiden (to Vincent): I beg your pardon, Captain Potter. I would be honored to stay for dinner.
Vincent (to Aiden): Heh. Yes. I'm sure my cooking is what sounds appealing to you right now.
Aiden (to Vincent): Well, I haven't had a decent meal in days.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): God, I almost wish he would shout at me instead.
A few moments later:
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe, sweetie? Dinner's ready.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thank you. I'll be right there.
Vincent (to Zoe): Be quick about it. Aiden is visiting and he and your cousin are being adorable. I can't be trusted not to be horrible to them.
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee... I'm tempted to stay in my room.
Vincent (to Zoe): Your cousin will never forgive you.
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee, alright, alright. I'm right behind you. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Hello fellas! ... You look flushed.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah, yeah. Shut the fuck up. (to Vincent) Do you need a hand?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Awww, I love you, too. (to Aiden) You look very handsome, Aiden. Is that a new tie?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): I need all the help I can get. (to Aiden & Zoe) What do you two want to drink? Aiden, we have wine and beer.
Aiden (to Zoe): Oh yes it is. Thank you for noticing. (to Vincent) A glass of red wine would be lovely, Captain.
Zoe (to Vincent): Well, since I can't have wine, ginger ale will have to suffice.
Vincent (to Zoe): Yes. I'm sure you'll survive. (to Aiden) Here you are, Aiden. Dinner is served.
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Dictator.
Aiden (to Vincent): Thank you. Dinner smells delicious.
Vincent (to Zoe): When all this bother is sorted out with your mother, I'll let you & your brother share a bottle of wine until you're both ill. (to Nathaniel) Nate, take more than that. You haven't eaten properly for two days.
Zoe (to Vincent): How about 2 bottles & it's a deal? :-p
Vincent (to Zoe): One, and you'll count yourself lucky. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Is that true, Nate? You know I hate it when you avoid eating. It worries me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm eating! I'm fucking eating!
Zoe (to Vincent): Fine... You drive a hard bargain. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Oh my god, you guys are so cute!
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Shut it up, you.
Vincent (to Zoe): I know. I'm a horrid tyrant. (to Aiden) How did you and Victor do, hun?
Aiden (to Vincent): Oh, we had several deliveries... We had a bumpy start, but we got into a rhythm. I think we make surprisingly good team, though Victor may argue the point.
Vincent (to Aiden): Hee hee. I don't know if you noticed, but my darling son is a little uptight. If he didn't start brandishing a weapon at you, then I think you did fine.
Aiden (to Vincent): No brandished weapons but there was a lot of exasperated swearing.
Vincent (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! Well, I'm glad everything went well. (to Zoe) Zoe? How about you help me clear the table and do the dishes?
Zoe (to Vincent): Okay... Then I need to finish my reading for school.
Vincent (to Zoe): I'd expect you would. Come on, Monster. (to Aiden & Nathaniel) Let me know if you two are going out & will be late.
Zoe (to Vincent): Alright.
Aiden (to Vincent): Yes sir.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Seriously. I don't know what to do or say when he's being all understanding and shit...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Would you rather he be angry & belligerent?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): God, no! Heh. No, I just never know what to say. I think I'll survive the momentary embarrassment.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... You are so worth the embarrassment.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um. You... You gotta stop saying shit like that, I... Wow. You don't have to stop doing that, though.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... I love you, Nate... You don't have to say it back to me... I just thought you should know.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Vincent): Should we really be snooping?
Vincent (to Zoe): No. You're right. You go do your homework.
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Are you going to keep spying?
Vincent (to Zoe): Whoops! Not anymore! It just got a little too intimate for spying. There's some ice cream in the freezer that needs eating. Interested in helping me finish it?
Zoe (to Vincent): ... God, really? You're going to let them do that in the living room? Geez, hand me a spoon.
Vincent (to Zoe): Calm down, kiddo. They're just kissing. Like you haven't done the same. How is school going, by the by?
Zoe (to Vincent): It's like the ninth level of Hell but with more lip gloss & bad music.
Vincent (to Zoe): God, I can imagine. I know what it was like for me when I started going to school here. I don't imagine the years have improved it any. It will get better, sweetie. Honest.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know, Dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): Well, if it's more than you can cope with, and you want to stop, that's fine. Your mom and I are proud of you for trying.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thanks. I need to go do my homework.
Vincent (to Zoe): Alright, kiddo. Give me a hug, and throw a bucket of water on your cousin if you need to. :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee, will do. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Get a room, you two.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ...We weren't... Fuck off, Shortie!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. I think I would be a little more worried if you didn't have one of your hands under his shirt... Good night, you two.
Aiden (to Zoe): Good night, Miss Zoe.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ...Night. (to Aiden) Sorry. That was my fault.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You are a very bad influence... I should go.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. I guess so. You going back to the bunker?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, actually... I wish you could come with me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Me too... Before you go... I, um, I turned Tim down because I'm, um, I'm falling in love with you too. I just... Stay safe, OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Come away with me, right now. Please?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): To Britannia? I--I can't. I've gotta work...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh right, how silly of me... I should go.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): God... Could you get me back here? Before tomorrow afternoon? I'm not baking, but I do have to fuckin' work...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, but I don't want to twist your arm. We could stay on this side if you would rather & then I'll just go over tomorrow morning.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Whatever is easier and safer for you. I don't care. I just wanna be with you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Very well...
Vincent (to Aiden & Nathaniel): You'll have to move to a room with a door and, you'll have to be quiet. Zoe is doing her homework.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Vincent): Oh my GOD! Uncle Vincent! Were you spying on us?
Vincent (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Spying is such an ugly word, and you two are hardly being subtle. I assume Victor won't be home tonight… And on that note, good night. I'm taking a bath and going to bed.
Aiden (to Vincent): Good night, Captain Potter... Thank you for everything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Jesus... Still think I'm worth the embarrassment?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes... Besides, you're sexy when you're flustered.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Someday, I'm gonna have a smart ass response for when you say shit like that. Not today, but someday. Come on.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Lead the way.
