Yukiko: Naze daremoga sore o okonau to omoimasu!?! This engine is an absolute mess. I'm actually surprised it managed to make it here in one piece.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Well, THAT was an adventure, wasn't it?
Yukiko (to Vincent): You could say that, Captain... I hope you didn't pay too much for this thing.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Not in the slightest. Bertha practically gave it to me. I can see why. I've never flown a rougher ship! Don't worry. We'll get her in better shape. If the folks at the Monastery can't make her worth flying no one can. Did you notice the leather suspenders holding the main steamline in place? Heh. Only Bertha ...
Yukiko (to Vincent): Yes, and I also noticed a bird's nest in one of the exhaust ports... At least, I hope it was a bird's nest. Otherwise, we may have a very large vermin problem.
Vincent (to Yukiko): I'm guessing we do, judging by the nibble marks I found on the helm. Honesty! Ick! How do some people live like this? The missus once won a ship in a poker game that had mummified fish in the engine. FISH. In the engine.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Why were there-- You know what I'm not sure I want to know the answer. Would you like me to get to work on the stabilizers? That might help to fix some of the bumpiness... Though, I 'm slightly afraid to remove the covering on them. They may be held together with chewing gum & tape.
Vincent (to Yukiko): And lots of bits of string. Let me give you a hand. I need something to do that will keep me occupied. I'm sure Victor and Zoe will wander down once they get sick of trying to suss out the living quarters.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Thank you, I'm beginning to suspect that this is not a one person job... Did I manage to get the Falcon up to it's normal operating form? I kept feeling like I was missing something.
Vincent (to Yukiko): You did excellent work, Yoyo! There are a few things that need to be tweaked, but they're mostly odd modifications added over the years. She's unique, and I'd be heartbroken if she gave up all her secrets to the new generation off the bat. ;-)
Yukiko (to Vincent): Heh. Fair enough.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Good God! What on earth do you suppose THIS used to be?
Yukiko (to Vincent): I'm not sure... Don't touch it with your bare hands! Let me get a stick.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Why is this slimy?!
Zoe (to Vincent): Dad! I think I found a flying squirrel in the living quarters. Can I keep it? ... Or it's a bat... In which case, can I keep it?
Vincent (to Zoe): Not if it's a bat, sweetie. It would be cruel to keep it in a cage. Wait... Whatever you found isn't foaming at the mouth, is it?
Zoe (to Vincent): No... It was a little perturbed that we ousted it from it's hidey hole, but it wasn't frothing. I probably shouldn't have left Victor alone with it, huh?
Victor (to Zoe, Yukiko & Vincent): Heh. It's alright. I can handle small and furry. I think it's a flying squirrel, and it's... Where is it? It was just on my shoulder a minute ago...
Zoe (to Vincent, Yukiko & Victor): Oh god, it's loose again!
Yukiko (to Vincent, Victor & Zoe): Subarashī! I just got it organized in here.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I thought you wanted to keep him, Zoe. Calm down. I'll get him. There he is. See? Here. Keep giving him crackers, and he'll sit on you. He's tame. He must have been someone's pet.
Zoe (to Victor): This is awesome! (to Vincent) Dad, can we keep him? At least on the airship?
Vincent (to Zoe): Bloody pirates and their weird pets... How did I know you were going to ask that, hun? It's not fair to leave him on the airship to fend for himself when no one is aboard, hun, and I don't know that we could explain the little guy on the other side...
Zoe (to Vincent): Ummm, because you are a very smart man... Oh, and quite handsome, too.
Victor (to Vincent): Come on, Dad! We had Max for years with no problems.
Vincent (to Victor): Really? You think Max was problem free? That cat was a trouble maker BEFORE he had wings... (to Zoe & Victor) Alright, alright! Retire the puppy dog eyes, you two. IF it's alright with your mother, the mouse can stay. You know how she feels about rodents.
Zoe (to Vincent): You are the best dad in the whole world! Actually in both worlds! Wait. (to Victor) How does she feel about rodents?
Victor (to Zoe): She's not exactly a fan. She grew up in the Tombs, after all.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Which means she's going to say no... Unless, we teach her tricks & make her irresistible.
Victor (to Zoe): Is it a girl squirrel?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes. You can totally tell... What should we name her? (to Vincent) Speaking of names... what's the name of this floating deathtr-- nice and safe airship?
Victor (to Zoe): Susan?
Yukiko (to Victor & Zoe): Don't look at me.
Zoe (to Victor): Susan Squirrel? Really? That's terrible.
Victor (to Zoe): Muriel. Too bad she's not a boy. Then she could be Earl. Earl the Squirrel.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh my god! You are terrible at naming things. Yoyo, please help? What would you name it?
Yukiko (to Victor & Zoe): Lunch.
Victor (to Yukiko & Zoe): Don't be ridiculous. A squirrel that tiny? She'd be an appetizer at best. How about Bon Appetite?
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): Heh... Next you're going to suggest Amusé Bouche.
Yukiko (to Victor & Zoe): I am going back to the engines. The cogs and gears don't need names... You should just call it Risu.
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): Huh? Why Risu?
Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): Heh. Because it means "squirrel" in Nipponese.
Vincent (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. If you two are done teasing Zoe. This flying deathtrap needs a name. Think of a good one. I'm going to go see if the galley is sanitary enough for use. (to Zoe) After lunch, you should probably head home, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): Well, the joke's on them because I actually like it… You're probably right. I can't use up all of my absences in one week. But, I missed you guys. I just wish I could have seen Mom, too... Do you think there's a way for her to come and visit soon?
Vincent (to Zoe): Come here, Monster. She'll visit when she can. She's more than busy at the moment trying to keep everyone safe.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know... So, are you giving the ship to Victor?
Vincent (to Zoe): After all this mess is over. If he wants it, of course. You're far too smart for your own good, do you know that?
Zoe (to Vincent): Heh... Sorry. It's just you asked him to name it and it seemed like a big deal to me. I won't say anything.
Meanwhile, in the engine room:
Yukiko (to Victor): Why does your dad want us to name the ship? Isn't that something that normally the captain does?
Victor (to Yukiko): Yes. It is...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... Well, that's very interesting.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Don't let my dad know you've figured it out. It will crush him if he thinks it isn't a surprise.
Yukiko (to Victor): My lips are sealed. So, what are you going to name her?
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't know yet. Right now "Deathtrap" and "Pile of Junk" are the only two names springing to mind. I could probably use some help...
Yukiko (to Victor): You are so not getting me involved in the naming process. You're the one who's going to be flying her. I think once she's cleaned up, you'll find she's got hidden beauty underneath... or that she's a completely lost cause. :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I think that could be the Potter family motto. Not even a bit? You helped name the squirrel. Besides, if I do fly her, it won't be alone. Will it?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Of course not. You'll have Aiden with you. :-P ... Maybe that's what you should call her? Hidden Beauty or something along those lines.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Maybe I should wait to see if she actually IS a hidden beauty under all this grime.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, probably. Or you could just name her after something you like? maybe the Jade Falcon? Or would that be too close to your dad's ship?
Victor (to Yukiko): It might be a little confusing. Maybe I should name the ship Susan...
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, Susan, the flying princess?
Victor (to Yukiko): That's a TERRIBLE name for a pirate ship. It would be The Dread Susan, or Blackhearted Susan.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, I kinda like the Dread Susan... Though, I doubt anyone would take you seriously with that name.
Victor (to Yukiko): You say that as though anyone takes me seriously now. Heh. You should have heard the commentary Aiden and I were getting. Amal Birdie accused me of making all my crew members dress in suits, and asked if we were dressed for a ball.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... I have no words… Should I get a suit? I mean if that's the uniform for working as a member of your crew. I won't look nearly as dapper as you or Aiden but I'd hate to ruin your reputation...Besides, if memory serves your father wasn't taken all that seriously when he started either. So, just think of all of this as a rite of passage. You have to earn their respect on your own.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I know. And yes, if you want to crew with me, you have to wear a suit. We'll call the ship will be The Gentleman Caller. We'll have a whole theme. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, so it's between the Dread Susan or The Gentleman Caller... Tough decision. :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): We could split the difference and call it the Dread Susan Caller.
Vincent (to Yukiko & Victor): Hee hee. You ARE terrible at naming things. Sorry to interrupt your fun, kids, but lunch is ready. Please wash your hands before you eat. Preferably with bleach.
Yukiko (to Victor & Vincent): Heehee, yes sir... So, which do you like better, Captain Potter, The Gentleman Caller or The Dread Susan?
Vincent (to Yukiko & Victor): Never name your ship after something that sounds like a romance novel, kiddos.
Yukiko (to Victor & Vincent): Well, that puts us back to square one.
Victor (to Yukiko & Vincent): That's it! I'm rebelling! I'm going to name it The Good Ship Lollipop.
Vincent (to Victor): Hee hee. Calm down. You don't have to have a name picked out right this second.
Zoe (to Victor): That is a terrible name, big brother. Heehee. How about the Wicked Sister?
Victor (to Zoe): Awww, if you want me to name the ship after you, just say so. Where's your little beastie?
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, I'd love it if you did, but you don't have to... Risu is sleeping in her hole.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe, I'm afraid it's time for you to head home. Come give me a hug.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know... I'm going.
Victor (to Zoe): I'll see you later, little sister. Take care of yourself and Nate, OK? We'll watch the Squirrel.
Zoe (to Victor): I will. (to Victor, Yukiko & Vincent) Don't get in any sort of trouble... Bye!
Yukiko (to Zoe): Bye, Zoe!
Vincent (to Zoe): We'll do our best, sweetie. Love you. Give your cousin an extra big hug from me. I should be home soon.
Zoe (to Vincent): Love you too, Dad. I'll see you soon.
A few moments later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not hungry. Thanks anyway.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, please? Just a bite. You should eat something.
Zoe (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh good! You got him out of the room! ... And, after that look, I'll be in my room doing homework.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Later. (to Aiden) I don't wanna fight with you about it. I still feel nauseous, OK? I don't wanna be sick again.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright, you're the boss, Nate. If you change your mind, I'll leave this in the icebox for you... I'm going to go smoke.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks...
Aiden: ... It is a very good thing that I love him.
Several hours later:
Zoe (to Aiden): Thank you, Aiden, for dinner. I had no idea that meatloaf could be so... Crunchy.
Aiden (to Zoe): My apologies, Zoe, I got a little enthusiastic with the bread crumbs. I've never made one before.
Zoe (to Aiden): Heehee, clearly... How about I make dinner tomorrow night and you can help ME make it, okay?
Aiden (to Zoe): It's a deal... Do you need help with your schoolwork or anything? I'm feeling a bit useless at the moment.
Zoe (to Aiden): Thanks for the offer but I can do it on my own. There's a ton of books & movies in the living room. Feel free to pick something.
Aiden (to Zoe): I will do just that. Good night.
Zoe (to Aiden): Good night.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Colin): Colin?
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! Where were you today? I missed you at lunch. Are you feeling alright? You didn't eat the "hotdog surprise" at school did you? That crap's lethal!
Zoe (to Colin): Dear god no! It looks like a hot dog abortion... Which sounded much funnier in my head.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh my god... You are TOTALLY right. It completely looks like a hot dog abortion. This is why we should support a hot dog's right to choose... Wow. That was a terrible joke. I'm sorry.
Zoe (to Colin): Heh, yeah... My cousin, Nate, had some bad news... Just family stuff. Can I come over? Please?
Colin (to Zoe): Oh! Oh no. I'm so sorry. Yeah! Of course, you can come over. What's the matter? Is everything OK?
Zoe (to Colin): I just wanted to see you. It's been a weird couple of days... Be there in a sec.
Colin (to Zoe): I'll see you soon.
A second later, at Jacob & Robert's house, East Piedmont:
Zoe (to Colin): Hey you! … Sorry, that was louder than I meant to be.
Colin (to Zoe): Shhhh! Shhh. Heh. Normally, loud wouldn't be a problem, *except* when I'm trying to hide a girl in my room. Uhhh... Not that I've ever done this before! Because I haven't. I just mean, you know, if my parents find out… I'm going to shut up now, OK?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, I'll try to be quiet or we could go somewhere else... Pick a place. Anywhere you want.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh. I don't know. You pick. This is all kind of new to me. Where do you want to go? Impress me. :-P I'm just kidding, by the way. I already think you're pretty impressive.
Zoe (to Colin): Well, I'm partial to Paris on the other side... But we could just got to my room... If you don't want to go too far away.
Colin (to Zoe): Paris or your room... Hmmm. That is a TOUGH decision... I'm just kidding. I don't care. If you want to go to you room, I'm fine with that. Are you okay? I'm sorry you're having a bad day.
Zoe (to Colin): ... I'll be fine, I promise. Here, take my hand.
Colin (to Zoe): OK...
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: Oh. Jesus... This was probably better when it was warm.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh... Oh WOW. Is this your room? Heh. There's a lot more purple than I thought there would be.
Zoe (to Colin): Oof... I know my it's Paris but, I'd rather take you there later. I hope you're not disappointed. I like purple & my parents did it for me as a present when they adopted me. Dad said painting my room black was just a little too impractical.
Colin (to Zoe): I'm not disappointed. Like at all. And now that I'm looking around, this is TOTALLY your room. So, what's going on? I know you keep saying you're okay, but you don't really seem okay. You know you can bitch and complain to me, right?
Zoe (to Colin): ... Nate's upset because his ex died yesterday, his current boyfriend is here trying to help, my parents & brother are gone. I'm just feeling a little lost right now & I just wanted a little comforting... I'm sorry.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh. Oh my god. That's... That's terrible! I'm so sorry. You don't need to apologize for needing some company. I'm your boyfriend, right? That's what I'm here for. And don't worry. I won't let you do anything you'll regret. We can just hang out. No pressure, I promise.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh... Thanks... I guess... You are way too good for me, Colin. I was kinda hoping to do something stupid... But you're probably right. We can just hang out.
Colin (to Zoe): Thanks you GUESS? Way to make a guy feel like a stud. :-P I'm, uh, I'm just kidding, you know. When you say "something stupid," do you mean, you know, like "sexy stupid", or "let's steal a car stupid"?
Zoe (to Colin): Heh... I've stolen an airship before. Does that count? I was thinking sexy stupid but we don't have to, we can watch a movie on my computer or something.
Colin (to Zoe): Woah. Yeah. I would say that counts. And, um, so you know, I would TOTALLY be OK with doing stupid sexy stuff with you. But, um, maybe we should wait? Until you're not upset and confused? I really, REALLY like you Zoe. Really. Really, really. I don't want you to do anything you're not ready to do, or that you might regret because everything is sucky right now.
Zoe (to Colin): I really, really like you, too... If you want to wait, we can. I've just wanted to rip your clothes off with my teeth since that first date at the bowling alley. And yes, this current state of suckiness is the catalyst for my willingness but you're the person I'd like to share this experience with, but I'll understand if you'd rather not.
Colin (to Zoe): Rather not? ARE YOU KIDDING? You just said you wanted to tear off my clothes with your teeth. With your teeth! You are smart, and funny, and sexy as hell... And, you'd never be able to chew through the denim. Plus, I LIKE those jeans... I'm sorry. I just don't know what to say. I really like you, and I'm kinda afraid that if I press my "advantage" here, and we... We do anything you might regret, you'll get upset with me later. And I don't want that. I really like you...
Zoe (to Colin): And here I was worrying about pressing my advantage... Colin, how could I possibly regret it? You are smart, funny, talented, incredibly handsome... And sometimes, you talk way too much.
Colin (to Zoe): It's the pajama pants, isn't it?
Zoe (to Colin): Yes. They're chick magnets.
Colin (to Zoe): If you're the kinda chick they're attracting, I am NOT complaining...
Zoe (to Colin): ... I'm glad you feel that way... Let me lock the door. You know, just in case.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah. Just in case.
Meanwhile:
Nathaniel: Aiden? Aiden, are you awake? Oh... Guess not. I ate something. It was... Um, it was an experience, but I ate. I just wanted to say... I'll say this to you when you're awake, too, but, I just wanted to apologize. For being such a dick.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Huh? Who? ... Oh sorry, Nate. I must of dozed off. How are you feeling?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm OK. I mean, not OK, but, I'll survive. I was just letting you know that I had some casserole, and, um, that I was sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well then, I should probably apologize for the food. I made it... Cooking was not as easy as I thought it would be and there's no need for you to apologize, but I appreciate the gesture.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. That dinner was, uh... That was something. But, thank you for cooking. I wasn't really, you know, all there.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... Zoe told me that I can assist her with the dinner preparations tomorrow night. I'm a little worried as to what that will entail.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh heh. Well, if anyone can teach you to cook, it's Zoe. She's really good at that kind of shit, actually. Don't worry. I'm also sorry I've been so, um, disconnected. The truth is that I've been thinking a lot about everything that has happened. And, um, this makes me sound like a REALLY shitty person, but the truth is...I... I think Tim sold me out. I'm so, SO fucking sorry for what happened to him. And I *know* it's my fault he was here, but I can't help but wonder...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sold you out? To whom?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't know. I just keep wondering how the fuck did he know where I was. My family sure as shit didn't tell him. And all that crap about not caring that we weren't fucking? That is--um, was--bullshit. While we were together he cared A LOT. And then there was all that shit with the flyer having an address for a portal, & Vincent & Emma being totally paranoid... Jesus... I don't know. I'm probably just being weird and fucking paranoid cause I can't fucking understand this shit... Sorry. Ignore me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... Having never met him, I can't really say. But, it sounds like he may have been trying to get you to go with him, so he was willing to say whatever he thought would work & when it didn't, he used the flyers.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... He told me my dad got him expelled from his private school, but when the detective was interviewing me, he said Tim was kicked out for fighting... It just doesn't add up.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): If you'd like, I can look into it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh god. no! Please NO! I mean... Um... No. Please don't. I don't care. I don't care why he might have been lying to me. It doesn't matter now, does it? I just... Please don't get yourself in trouble over me for a bit? If you can help it? Please?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright, Nate. I won't look into it, then... You just sounded like you might want to know. My mistake. Besides, I'm supposed to stay here & keep an eye on you & Zoe until your uncle gets back. Watching Zoe, I fear is going to be a full time job.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. Probably. And, it's not that I don't care... I do. I'd just... I'm feeling kinda paranoid right now, you know? Cursed or some shit, and I... I couldn't handle it if something happened to you. I, um, I fucking love you. I wasn't delirious when I said that last night. I feel like I should be more cautious or careful or whatever... But, I meant it. Fuck everything else, I meant it. I love you. ... Sorry. That was... That wasn't really romantic.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Shhhh… Come here.
