Aiden (to Fiona): Fiona!?! Don't you ever bloody knock? I was in the midst of getting dressed.
Fiona (to Aiden): Calm down, Wilkes, If you've got something I've never seen before, I'll shoot it off. Magpie wants to see you.
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh. Very well. I'll be right there.
Fiona (to Aiden): You've got a bit more ink since the last time. Careful, Aiden. That may count as an interest. I'll let the missus know.
Aiden (to Fiona): The newest additions were because of the Gilroy operation & not because I enjoy getting "inked".
Fiona (to Aiden): Oh yes. Of course. Silly me.
Aiden (to Fiona): McGillivray, I assure you that I'm not nearly as full of hidden secrets as you seem to think I am. If you want to know something, just ask me. We're not in ISS or the Imperial Guard any longer so the code of conduct no longer applies. And, I have come to realize that knowing the people you work with & having some attachment to them makes operations go much better.
Fiona (to Aiden): Well... Of all the things I was expecting you to say, that wasn't one of them. You've knocked me completely off me arse.
Aiden (to Fiona): Heh... Well then, my work here is done. I should really go see what Poppy wants.
Fiona: So this is what being caught off guard feels like. Can't say I care for it.
A few moments later:
Aiden (to Poppy): Miss Poppy, you wanted to see me?
Poppy (to Aiden): Yes, I did, honey... I need you to get an airship & go with my husband to these coordinates to retrieve Victor and Yoyo. It seems the Falcon has been having more trouble than just being followed and we still need the cargo she's carrying desperately.
Aiden (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. Is this airship to be a permanent purchase or a simple loaner? And, I'll need someone to help me pick one. I know very little about what constitutes a good pirating airships.
Poppy (to Aiden): It's going to be a permanent purchase. The Falcon may need to be docked for some time until we figure out who's gunning for it, honey. And, in the meantime, we still need someone running cargo for us... I'd ask Percy to loan us the Clementine but it's not big enough for our purposes. And, don't worry, I'm sending word to my husband to accompany you to the docks. He'll know what we need exactly.
Aiden (to Poppy): Well then, while I wait for his arrival, I'll gather up the funds we'll need.
Poppy (to Aiden): Good. Please, be discreet about it, honey. We don't want anyone knowing that we've got another ship.
Aiden (to Poppy): Of course.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Are you working today, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. Later tonight. I mean, I think. If everything has calmed down cause of that stupid flyer.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): There's been some trouble with the Falcon; it looks like she'll be grounded for a while. I have to go pick up Victor & Yoyo. Please, PLEASE be careful while I'm gone. Something nasty is brewing, and, unfortunately, you seem to be in the midst of it.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. I will.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Thank you. Watch out for yourself and try to keep Zoe from doing anything foolish. I fear it may be a trial. Do you want me to give a message to Aiden when I see him?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Um, no. I mean, yes, but, um...
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. Nothing you want your uncle to pass along. I understand. I'll see you kids shortly. Be mostly good!
A couple hours later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia::
Poppy (to Vincent): Hello, lover... You made good time getting here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hello, gorgeous! I've missed you so much. I wish I was seeing you under better circumstances.
Poppy (to Vincent): Me too, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I hate to bring you more bad news, lover, but I'm afraid we're being targeted on the other side as well. It could be a coincidence, and a dirty trick by an annoyed ex, but Nate's old boyfriend showed up in town. He posted "Missing Child" posters all over town with instructions to go to the Piedmont Inn for a reward if you had info about his whereabouts.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh. That's not good, honey. We're clearly going to need to figure out a hiding place on that side, just in case. Is Nate okay? I know he was still a bit hung up about that boy. It couldn't have been easy for him. Poor dear.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think he was more angry and embarrassed than upset. Hee hee. Aiden confessing his love to him the night before may have helped to soften the blow a bit, I think.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that certainly explains a few things, lover. Aiden was downright easy-going this morning when I told him to go with you to get an airship & go to Amal's. Not a single question or even a harrumph... I bet they're adorable.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens! Aiden? Easygoing? How will the world survive it? Hee hee. They are adorable at that. They're an odd pair, aren't they? I'm happy for them both. God knows the pair of them need to bloody well relax. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, indeed, lover. If Aiden was any more uptight & stodgy, I'd have to use him as a coat rack. At first, I was a little skeptical about the two of them, but it sounds like it's doing them both a world of good... Alrighty, let me go back to being the leader of a rebellion. I have to go get the weekly assignments to my runners. When you're done rounding up the children, I expect a visit from you that lasts longer than an hour.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. Did you know that you're incredibly sexy when you're being a criminal mastermind?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... You're picturing me in the Boussh outfit again, aren't you, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I am NOW. Hee hee. Give me a kiss before I go, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): ... I love you, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too, Poppy. We'll be together soon enough. Don't worry.
A few moments later:
Aiden (to Vincent): Greetings, Captain Potter!
Vincent (to Aiden): Hello, Aiden. Ready to go airship shopping?
Aiden (to Vincent): Yes, I am. Thank you for assisting me.
Vincent (to Aiden): It's my pleasure. You don't have to twist my arm very hard to get me to look at airships.
Aiden (to Vincent): Well, where should we start first?
Vincent (to Aiden): I have some ideas. You're not easily scandalized by nudity are you?
Aiden (to Vincent): It really depends on whose nudity, Captain.
Vincent (to Aiden): Hee hee. Good answer. Not mine or yours. Probably. Not unless it gets us a nice discount that is.
Aiden (to Vincent): ... Should I nix my suit then?
Vincent (to Aiden): Never give it away for free when you can charge for it, hun. Heh. That's the first time I've ever heard you make a joke.
Aiden (to Vincent): I beg your pardon, Captain. It has been mentioned that I need to loosen up a bit.
Vincent (to Aiden): That wasn't a complaint, kiddo. I meant you're in a good mood. Seems being in love suits you.
Aiden (to Vincent): Heh. I suppose it does... So, where are we going that there maybe nudity intermingled with airship sales?
Vincent (to Aiden): Big Momma Bertha's. She usually has more ships than she needs due to her sons being such excellent little deviants. And, she likes me, which always helps.
Aiden (to Vincent): I've heard of her... Is it true that she once squeezed a man to death?
Vincent (to Aiden): I'm not sure. I thought it best not to ask in case she wants to prove it. :-P
Aiden (to Vincent): Fair enough.
Several hours later, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: Jesus shitting Christ. If one more fucking person tells me they've found me, or asks me about that FUCKING tattoo...
Mouse (to Nathaniel): ... Nate, could you please come up to the office with me?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Sure. Um, what's up?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Nate, have a seat... I don't know how to tell you this, but there are a couple of police detectives coming to ask you a few questions about Tim.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): What? Why? Jesus Christ... What did he do now?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): He didn't do anything, Nate... He's dead. A homeless man found his body outside the Old Piedmont Inn & reported it. Their saying that it looked like he was mauled by something.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): What do you mean? I don't... But... I just spoke to him on Sunday. He was going to New York. It can't be him. It's gotta be somebody else. He left town already. I mean...
Mouse (to Nathaniel): I know, sweetie... I'm so sorry.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh my god. Oh my god! Oh, oh god... This can't be right. This isn't right...
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Oh, come here... I wish I could do something for you.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Would-would you--if they let you, I mean--would you sit in the room? With the detectives when they talk to me? I... I just... I don't know if I can do this by myself...
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Of course. Whatever you need.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Thank you. I'm sorry... I know I shouldn't have asked, but-but it's just that Uncle Vincent isn't here and Aunt Poppy's gone, and I don't know what... I'm, um, sorry. Sorry. Um, yeah. I guess... I should go talk to them, right? Sorry.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Nate, it's okay. You're in shock. You stay here. I'll bring them to you. Or would you rather I ask them to come back later? I don't mind, if you need to collect yourself.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): God, no... I don't wanna do it later. I just... I'll be OK in a couple minutes...
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Okay... I'll go get them.
An hour or so later:
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Thank you, Emma. For sitting through that. I'm, um, I'm gonna... Can I go home? It's, um, it's been a weird day.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Of course, I was going to suggest that. I've taken you off the schedule for the next few days, so don't worry about it.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Thank you. I'm just... I'm gonna go home. Thanks.
A couple hours later, at Mouse & Eep's house, West Piedmont:
Mouse: God, I hope this fucking thing still works... (to Vincent) Hello? Vincent? Can you hear me?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hello? I read you. This is Captain Potter. Who's this?
Mouse (to Vincent): It would be your sister, little brother... Something has happened that I thought you'd want to know about. Zoe told me you were off to see the wizard so here I am.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh God. What's going on, hun? Is everything OK? Is EVERYONE OK?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes. No. Maybe... Nate's ex-boyfriend was found mauled to death by something outside of the Old Piedmont. Nate's in shock. Zoe doesn't know what to do, so she called. I thought you should know... This can't be a coincidence, can it? A horrible, horrible coincidence...
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh my God... Alright, sweetie. Thank you for telling us. I'm... FUCK. I'm in the midst of an emergency on this side. Don't worry. We'll have someone there with him in a heartbeat. You know as well as I do this isn't a coincidence, hun. Fat fucking Christ!
Mouse (to Vincent): If you can't, let me know & I'll head over or call Mars. And, little brother, please be careful. I have a very bad feeling about all of this.
Vincent (to Mouse): I will, sweetie. And we'll be extra, EXTRA careful. I don't like this any more than you do.
A few minutes later, onboard the recently acquired airship:
Vincent (to Aiden): Aiden? I'm wondering if I can ask you a huge favor?
Aiden (to Vincent): Of course, Captain Potter. What is it?
Vincent (to Aiden): Something has happened back home. I need you to keep an eye on Nate & make sure he stays safe. (to Victor) Victor, can you take him home?
Aiden (to Vincent): Oh... Is he okay? He's not hurt or anything? What happened? ... I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. Of course, I'll go.
Victor (to Vincent): Of course. What happened? Is everybody alright?!
Vincent (to Aiden & Victor): It's alright, Aiden. Believe me, I understand. Nate's ex-boyfriend Tim was found dead today. He's in shock. Zoe is worried enough that she called my sister for help. And, she was worried enough to call me.
Aiden (to Vincent & Victor): Oh dear god... Victor, can you take me there, now? Please?
Vincent (to Aiden): Oh no... Of course! Grab my hand... (to Vincent & Yukiko) I'll be right back.
Aiden (to Victor): Alright. (to Vincent) I'll keep Nate & Zoe safe. I promise.
Victor (to Aiden): Ready? Clear your mind. One... Two...
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Victor (to Aiden): Three! (to Zoe) Zoe? Are you home?
Zoe (to Victor & Aiden): Thank the fucking gods! Nate came home, went straight into Mom & Dad's room with the door locked. He won't answer me. I'm worried about him. Aiden, please go talk to him. Please? Maybe you can get through to him.
Victor (to Zoe): Hey, hey. It's alright. Don't worry! Aiden will talk to him, OK?
Zoe (to Victor & Aiden): Okay.
Aiden (to Victor & Zoe): Alright, I'll do my best. Thank you for the lift, Victor.
Victor (to Aiden): It wasn't a problem. Go help your boyfriend. (to Zoe) Let's give them some space, OK? Want to come help us load up the new airship Dad bought?
Zoe (to Victor): ... Yes please.
Victor (to Zoe): Come on... Don't worry. Nate will be OK.
Zoe (to Victor): Alright, alright. Let's go, big brother.
A few minutes later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? Are you in there?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Aiden? Oh god... Aiden, please just... go away, OK? Please?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry to say that I can't & I won't. So, you can either let me in now or I'm going to sit outside this door for the unforeseeable future or I could knock the door down... But, if you let me in, I can sit with you instead. Your choice.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Fucking Christ. You could always pick the lock, you know. *I* could pick this lock...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know I could, but I needed you talking to me, instead. I wanted to hear your voice. And, Zoe was worried about you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah, well... Here. You've fucking heard me and you've fucking seen me. Alright? Anything else?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I suppose not... I'm sorry for the intrusion. I'll be on the couch, if you need anything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Goddamn it, Aiden! You have to go! Don't you get it? This was... this was *my fault*. Go! Please go. God! Just... please? If something happens to you or my aunt or uncle, or cousins ... Please? Please go...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you & I am not leaving you to deal with this on your own. You can say whatever you want, but I am staying right here. Tim's death is no one's fault but the creature that caused it. Besides, I promised your family I would stay here & keep you safe.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No it wasn't! NO IT FUCKING WAS NOT! He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me! He would have been--been fucking gutted if... He was a good cello player. He was gonna go to school, & get a million boyfriends & be happy. That was supposed to happen! ... not fucking this.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, things don't always work out the way we want them to... When my youngest brother, Theo died, everyone in my family was devastated. He was six years old. He was struck down by a handsome cab that was involved in a bank robbery... I was ten. It wasn't right or fair, nor is this... But, that doesn't mean the world stops spinning, it just slows down for a little while so the people who need to can grieve. Just don't forget that there are people who love & care about you out here... I'll leave you alone if that's what want but I'm staying here.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No... I don't want you to go. I just... I'm scared. And I feel like shit. I-I'm SO sorry for Tim & his poor fucking family.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know... Can I give you a hug now?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... Oh Christ. Oh god... I'm so fucking terrified something's gonna happen to you or my family... I should've never stayed. I shouldn't even be here.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Shhhhh, it's going to be okay. We're all in this together & we'll figure it out. You don't have to go through this stuff on your own. Okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): OK...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Let's get you settled into a bed. You're probably exhausted.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Will...will you stay? With me? Please?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, I will. I'd do anything for you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks... I love you...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, too.
