Hiiri (to Sylvester): Oh, Lieutenant Kingsley, how nice to see you again. Enjoying your time in our fair city?
Sylvester (to Hiiri): Yes, Miss Hiiri, New London is really something.
Hiiri (to Sylvester): Does that country bumpkin act really work? Because, I have to say it's quite ridiculous. Go back to your assignment right now.
Sylvester (to Hiiri): Heh. Yes, ma'am. I'll let you know if I see anything of interest.
Nathaniel: ... no. NO... S'not right... Kent! I... GAH! Oh Jesus! Ouch. Right on my goddamn ass. Fuck...
At Poppy & Vincent's apartment, New London, Britannia:
Zoe (to Aiden): Good morning, Aide-- oh um, nice chest, I mean, ink. Um, breakfast is sexy, I mean ready... This is embarrassing.
Aiden (to Zoe): Thanks, Zoe. I was exercising. I'll go grab a shirt & check on Nate.
A moment later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Are you okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Huh? Oh hey. Yeah. I had a nightmare. I rolled outta bed and landed square on my fucking ass.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry about your bad dream. Anything I can do for you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's alright. Just old shit rattling around in my head for some stupid fucking reason... Oh! Heh. Thanks. Hugs don't hurt. You been walking around shirtless all morning?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): My apologies. I was doing my daily workout & I smelled bacon from the kitchen. I thought it was you... I may have freaked out Zoe a little. She seemed a bit rattled.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I wasn't complaining. Heh. I don't think Zoe is gonna either. You are kinda really fucking hot, you know? Besides, she didn't believe me you had tattoos. All I was thinking is that if you walk around half naked in the mornings, I'm gonna have to start getting up earlier.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. As if you don't already have every opportunity to see me half-naked & sweaty. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... I have nothing to say to that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You're cute when you blush like that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not blushing! ... I'm totally fucking blushing, aren't I?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, but it looks good on you... Ow. It's rude to slap your boyfriend.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Then stop trying to make me uncomfortable, dick! Besides, it's not like I fucking hurt you... Fucking up at dawn EXERCISING.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): What else would one do if they were awake at dawn?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... you're trying to get me to fucking blush again.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Guilty as charged. Feeling better now?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh... Yeah. Thanks. Want some breakfast? I can hear your stomach growling, you know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, breakfast would be lovely.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey. You made breakfast?
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Yeah, I thought I'd be nice.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Zoe): Thanks. I just wanna a cup of coffee for right now. Aiden will probably eat everything else.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Okay... Here, Aiden, pancakes & sausage.
Aiden (to Zoe): Thank you, Zoe.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): How's the play going? Or would you rather stay sitting sullenly in the corner and not say anything the rest of breakfast?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Hmmm, that's a very tough decision. You do know how much I love to sit sullenly... It's going okay, I guess.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. You're a real subtle, shrinking violet. So? What's OK about it? Not having fun?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's just weird having so much attention focused on me & even though I get to see Colin everyday for rehearsal, we don't get to be alone at all. And when we do, all he wants to talk about is the play.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Yeah... the play is the problem. Heh. I'm gonna go grab a cigarette. (to Aiden) See you in a second.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Wait! What do you mean? I'm coming with you.
Aiden (to Zoe & Nathaniel): It's alright. I'll clean up in here. Thank you for breakfast, Zoe.
A minute later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Gimme a smoke, you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Here you go. That's the last of them. I guess I'll have to beg Mars for some more.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Thanks! So what did you fucking mean before?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You know what I meant. He's talking about the play, and you wish he would be talking about, or doing, something else.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Huh? I'm sorry. I'm not used to you being so subtle. Is Aiden rubbing off on you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What happened the other night?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nothing... And, I do mean nothing. I propositioned him & he said he wanted to wait because he liked me too much & didn't want me to regret it because I was upset. We just curled up on my bed, watched a movie & made out a little. I just don't get it. I really wanted to, still do. It's fucking confusing.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. And, I'll bet you a case of cigarettes, he's talking a shitload about the play because he wants you just as bad, and musicals are a safe fucking topic.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh… But, what do I do about it?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno. He might not be ready, Zoe. I mean, you got some kind of theoretical experience he doesn't, you know?You're just gonna have to let him set the pace until then, you know? Shit. He likes you and doesn't wanna hurt you, or fuck it up. Be glad you're not hooked up with some jackass trying to get you to do shit you're not ready for...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Fuck... Apparently, I'm the jackass.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? No you're fucking not! Jesus... I'm sorry. That last fucking comment had nothing to do with you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I am... I've been being completely selfish.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You're not a jackass, Zoe. Calm down. Shit... Please calm down. Look, has Colin been making excuses not to hang around you? I know he hasn't been fucking avoiding you. You guys are on the phone like every fucking night.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, but he didn't want to hang out today. He gave me some lame excuse.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh yeah? What did he say?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Something about watching the film adaptation of the play & taking notes.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): That's fucking weird. He's not... Oh. Oh shit. Heh. Never mind. I'm sure that's what he's doing.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... What do you know, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno anything for sure. I just realized the date, and that you're going out with a dude who seems like a bit of a romantic.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What the fuck are you on about? What's so special about the date?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Calm down. Will you calm down? It's not a big deal. He likes you and wants to do something for Valentine's Day. If you don't wanna do anything for it, you don't have to. Might be nice to let him do something special for you, you know.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... Shit. What are you doing for Aiden?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno... I'm not sure that he'll wanna do anything. Or even that he'll be here... He said he'd have to go back soon.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. He strikes me as someone who might want to do something romantic with you... A lot.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You think so? Shit. I guess we can both freak out about it now.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I guess I should ask Colin about Valentine's day. Heh. I'm gonna call Colin & surprise him.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Go. Go on. Stop pouting and call your boyfriend. Oh. By the way, I fucking TOLD you Aiden had tattoos.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, you did... It was definitely something. Lucky you! Heehee, I'm goin', I'm goin'.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Fuck off, you pervert!
A little while later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, hey. Sorry to leave you alone so long. Zoe was having girl drama.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I imagine that happens a lot at her age.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah... So, um, did you wanna do something? For Valentine's Day and shit? I wasn't sure if you'd be here... If you want to, I don't mind. Honest. Heh. I'll wear a shirt with a collar on it and everything.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, I had thought about doing something but I wasn't sure you'd want to… I was actually thinking the dress code would be less formal.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah? How less formal we talking?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... I don't want to ruin the surprise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, OK... So you DO have something planned?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I rented a cabin outside of town for a couple days. Just you & me... I thought we could use some time away from everything. There's hiking, a lake, a hot tub... What do you think?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I think that sounds crazy amazing... I don't know what to say.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): How about telling me when you'd like to go?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Now! ... I mean, um, as soon as possible. I'd like to wait until my uncle gets home, if we can. I don't wanna leave Zoe alone.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, if that's what you'd like.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Well, it's not what I'd *like*, but I don't feel right leaving her by herself... Holy god, you're... Oh! Jesus. Sorry!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Why are you apologizing, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't know. I guess I think you're more than kinda amazing, and sometimes I'm just a little in awe of you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): And, here I was thinking the same of you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Stop fucking teasing me! You were not.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I was not teasing. I meant every word. I think you're amazing. You've gone through so much & a lot of folks would have cashed it in by now but you're working through. How could I not be in awe of you? It's impressive.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, thanks. I, uh... Wow. I don't know what to say. Thank you. I've... I haven't really, you know, heard that a lot.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I promise you that I won't ever lie to you, Nate. Okay? When I tell you things, it's always the truth. If I can't tell you something, it's because I'm trying to protect you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I know... Thanks. That, um, that means a lot. Thank you. I fucking love the shit out of you, you know that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, too.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah, yeah. That's sweet as fuck. Get over here and kiss me.
Meanwhile:
Zoe (to Colin): Colin?
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! How's your Sunday going? Did you go to church like a good girl? :-P
Zoe (to Colin): Heh. Yes, indeed. I asked for forgiveness for all my sins... :-p
Colin (to Zoe): Really? Well, that sounds boring. What's up?
Zoe (to Colin): I was just wondering if you were free yet?
Colin (to Zoe): Oh. Um... Yeah. Almost. I had a lot of notes to take.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh... Do you want some company? I don't mind watching the movie while you take notes.
Colin (to Zoe): Ummm... No. I need at least another hour, maybe two by myself, and then I'd LOVE to see you... And I'm not fooling you in the slightest bit at all, am I? Man!
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, not really. But, I can pretend to be ignorant if you'd prefer.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Just a little. Please? I'm trying to be intriguing and mysterious.
Zoe (to Colin): Okay, fair enough. I'll leave you alone for a couple hours then.
Colin (to Zoe): OK. I promise I'll call you in no less than two hours, OK? Besides, I wanna hang out with you if you're up to it.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm more than up to it... Shit. I need to apologize to you about being a dick about the whole sex thing. I'm sorry for being so pushy & desperate about it... I'll try & be better about it.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh. I didn't think you were being desperate. Honest. And, uh, just so you know, it's not that I'm not interested in you or in the whole "sex thing." Like AT ALL. I just need a little time, and I don't think that's a problem. Mostly because I am SO not planning on letting you go anywhere anytime soon. Oh. Um, unless you want to, that is.
Zoe (to Colin): No, I don't want to go anywhere. I'm sorry. I've been selfish. I've got a bunch of memories in my head. You know, sexy memories. It makes me a little weird sometimes.
Colin (to Zoe): I don't mind. I like you, so I guess I like weird. Which is really strange considering how normal my family is. I still can't believe my dad used to, you know, like hop around realities. That is SO weird.
Zoe (to Colin): Heh... Yes, very. I guess I should go & let you get back to your note taking.
Colin (to Zoe): Yes. My notes. They are important. They will reveal DEEP and MEANINGFUL things about the production. But later. MUCH later. But I can call you later, right? When I'm finished being deep and meaningful?
Zoe (to Colin): I would really like that... I was hoping to show you something.
Colin (to Zoe): Sure. I'd like that. I'll call you later, OK?
Zoe (to Colin): Okay. Talk to you later.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah, you will. Talk to you later!
A few hours later:
Zoe: Bored. Bored. So bored. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Hey! What are you guys up-- oh god! Shit! I'm so sorry. I'm gonna go… They should really learn to lock the door. Damn! That was awkward & kinda hot.
A short time later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey. I'm going to get cigarettes. You wanna come or what?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sure... Sorry for earlier. Or did you not even notice with your tongue so far down Aiden's throat?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): YES I noticed. You were kinda hard to miss, you know. And my tongue wasn't down his fucking throat... That woulda made him gag for one. :-P
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, somebody is in a good mood, I see. I guess, that's what doing exploratory surgery with your tongue will do. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I fucking removed his tonsils while I was at it. Here. You want them?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes please. Thanks. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! You fucking weirdo. Did your talk with Colin go well?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Yeah, it went okay.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Just OK, huh? It's a real shame you're such a shit liar. You'll never be made president now.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. He said he wants to keep me around for awhile & that he's not ready. It's sweet.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. And you're frustrated with that as hell, aren't you?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): God yes! I'm such an asshole! I even told him about my memories & I apologized for being so pushy. And, I still want to rip his clothes off and have wild monkey sex.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): That doesn't make you an asshole. A pervert, maybe, but not an asshole.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Gee, thanks... So, where are we getting smokes? And, why didn't you ask Aiden to get you some? He's old enough.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Stop with the face. I was just kidding. Wish I knew what to tell you, Shorty, but I'm not exactly an expert.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Gee, thanks... So, where are we getting smokes? And, why didn't you ask Aiden to get you some? He's old enough.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): The convenience store on the corner. Someone will usually buy me some. If not, we can bug Mars. And I didn't ask Aiden cause he was kinda passed out. He hasn't been sleeping real well.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh, have you been wearing out Mister Spy with all of the sex? And, don't even pretend that you haven't been doing it A LOT. The apartment isn't that big. You're just lucky it's only me here.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus... That's not embarrassing at all. Sorry. And NO, I'm not sure why he hasn't been sleeping. I fall asleep before him, and he's always up before me. I'm not sure yet.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You could just ask him. And, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. When Eep & Mouse started dating, they did it every chance they got. God, I feel like a fucking Peeping Tom knowing that shit.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I did ask him. He said it was nothing I had to worry about. I've been having nightmares, so... Shit. I'll bet I'm kicking him outta the fucking bed. Hold on. I'll bet this guy'll get me a pack. Be right back.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Good luck, mon frere.
A little while later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Score! I should probably feel worse abut that than I do. Want one?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Hell yeah, I do. I only have three left, so mooching is my best option at the moment.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Here you go. You shouldn't call me your brother even as a joke. Now I feel like I outta discourage you from smoking or shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Don't be fucking ridiculous! You'd be such a hypocrite.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah, I would. Heh. Isn't that what family does? Do what I say, not what I do? :-P Besides, I'm JOKING. Did I give you a cigarette or not?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah you did. I'm just teasing.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I know you are. Relax. Heh. We're a fucking pair, aren't we? We don't know how to goddamn cope with good shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yep, we're pretty fucking silly.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Did you hear something? ... Jesus. Sorry. I've been fucking jumpy as shit for days.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Yeah, I did, actually. Did you feel that? Tingly on the skin? Someone opened a portal nearby.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... We should get the fuck home, shouldn't we?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You're right. Come on.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm right behind you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm going to hope its dad & not trouble.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... me too. Should we take the short way home?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Good idea! Take my hand.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Got it. Ready.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): And, here we go...
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh Jesus! Why did it feel like that? Zoe?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I-- I don't feel so good, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh Jesus! Sit down! Lemme get you some juice.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh shit... Bathroom! Outta the way!
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Here. Ginger ale. What the hell was that? I feel like I've got the mother of all fucking headaches ...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm just going to lay here on the bathroom floor for awhile... I've never felt anything like that before.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Come on. Let's get you in bed. Need a bucket?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): God, I hope not... Best bring me one, though. I'm wobbly.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I've got you. Jesus... You weigh like nothing. I KNOW you fucking eat. That was one of those inhibitor fields, wasn't it?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm not sure. It felt way different than any inhibitor field I've ever dealt with before.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... We were near that Inn, weren't we?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah...
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... Shit. I thought so. Take. It easy, alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I will. Go take some aspirin for your head.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I will. Lemme know if you need me, alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Thanks, I will.
Nathaniel: Jesus ... my head.
A little while later:
Aiden: Huh? Shit... I fell asleep.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. How'd you sleep?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Like the dead. I'm so sorry I fell asleep when I did. I was just so comfortable.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's alright. It's not like you've been sleeping real well... I've been kicking you outta bed, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes. I didn't want to stress you out by mentioning it. You've had a rough week, so it's no real surprise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Sorry. I've been having some fucked up dreams. I... sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I thought that might be the case. Do you want to talk about them? Or would that be too weird for you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's not weird, it's just... None of it's pleasant. Are you sure you wanna hear this shit?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Only if you want. Dredging up nasty memories isn't necessarily the best thing but dreams sometimes can tell you something.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm alright. Something Tim said the other day reminded me of Kent for some reason, so it's been rattling around in my head. Kent was the youth minister at my dad's church.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): The one that-- did those horrible things to you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um... Yeah. That'd be the one.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... What was it that Tim said that reminded you of him?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Something about contaminating good Christian souls with my heathen ways... Sorry. It's ridiculous.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I didn't realize you were contagious.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... What? Ha ha ha! Oh... Oh Jesus! Yeah. I'm totally fucking ground zero for The Gay.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): For some reason, I always expected ground zero to be much older. So, that was what he said to you? Bloody hell... As if it was your fault for his own behavior. He should be incredibly grateful that I'm not in the same vicinity. I would probably hurt him.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh... Um, yeah. Well, last I heard he was in jail, so... He said a lot of crazy shit to me. You'd be surprised how easy it is to use the Bible to justify your crazy ass shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): People can justify practically anything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Guess so. Um, you alright? You look kinda flushed.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm fine. Just felt weird for a second... We were talking about you, anyway.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm alright. It's been a while. God, this is not helping my fucking headache.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here. I'll help you with that headache. Don't worry, its just a pressure point in your hand.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not worried. I trust you, and I sure as shit don't mind when you touch me. That was me trying to flirt with you, by the way. You looked confused. ;-)
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You really know how to make my day, you know? Feel free to flirt with me some more.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Um, thanks. That helped a lot. Know any other interesting pressure points?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I know one that makes a person bark like a dog & one that makes someone weak in the knees. Care to let me show you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Have you got a thing for guys who bark like dogs? That's pretty fucked... Wow. Holy shit. I gotta say I'm a fan of the way you make me weak in the knees, though.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You are going to wear me out with your appetite... Which isn't a complaint by any means.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Good. Come on.
