Carver: Where--where are we, Other Carver? We seem to be able to move almost...
Starling (to Carver): It's alright, sir. I'm here.
Carver (to Starling): Miss Starling... We're glad for it. We do hope we haven't been too much trouble, miss.
Starling (to Carver): Not at all, sir. The doctors said it will be quite sometime before you can do for yourself but that's alright because I'm here.
Carver (to Starling): You are too good to us, miss. We... we hope you have been entertaining yourself. You realize that we're no longer of use to our mistress, Miss Starling. We don't have to behave ourselves any longer, miss.
Starling (to Carver): Oh my yes. I found a group of children living in the tunnels below the city... No one will miss them.
Carver (to Starling): Very... very nice, miss. You always did like children...
Starling (to Carver): Is there anything I can do for you, sir?
Carver (to Starling): No, miss. We think... We think we're going to... You've done plenty for us, miss. We are grateful.
At Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Oliver): Good morning. Can I please get two blueberry muffins, a large coffee & an Earl Grey tea?
Oliver (to Aiden): Oh yes, of course.
Aiden (to Oliver): Thank you very much.
A short time later, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Good morning, handsome. I picked up a muffin & a coffee for you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. Morning. Breakfast in bed? Shit, man. Don't set a precedence you aren't gonna wanna keep up with your whole life. Cause I could get used to this. Heh. Thanks.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, I went for a run earlier so, I thought it would be a nice way to start our first day in our new place. Oh, and Oliver says hello.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Heh. Well, I'm not complaining. How did you sleep last night?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): A thousand times better. It's amazing what a normal sized bed can do. How about you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Pretty well. Too well, actually. So well, I'm having a real hard time forcing myself to get up and get moving.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... Do you have somewhere to be?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Not really. I've got some stuff left at my aunt and uncle's place, and I was gonna unpack some more and see what we need... Why? You got a better idea?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I was thinking of climbing back into bed with my very handsome boyfriend... However, if you have things you need to do, I suppose I could just go take a shower, put on some jeans & help unpack.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Or, you could get your ass back in bed. The boxes aren't gonna fucking go anywhere.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): As you command. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You DEFINITELY don't wanna start with that shit. I'll become some kinda raving, power mad asshole. You'll be all, what happened to that NICE southern boy I used to date before I shacked up with this creep?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Alright, alright. Point taken. I would hate for the power to go to your head.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I think I'm out of witty banter. Mostly cause you are kinda amazingly distracting...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I could say the same about you.
An hour or so later, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Joseph (to Jessica): Is there a reason your boy, Colin, there has been staring at me, Jess?
Jessica (to Joseph): I don't know... Um, Joseph, do you have a date for the dance?
Joseph (to Jessica): No... Why?
Jessica (to Joseph): Um, you wanna go with me?
Joseph (to Jessica): Sure, why the fuck not... I'll pick you up at 8pm.
Jessica (to Joseph): Cool... Bye.
A moment later:
Jessica: God, I can't believe I just did that... (to Colin) Why are you staring at Joseph like that?
Colin (to Jessica): I'm not staring. I'm glaring.
Jessica (to Colin): Oh... Why are you glaring?
Colin (to Jessica): Never mind. Apparently, I'm not doing it right. What are you so giddy about?
Jessica (to Colin): I'm going to the dance with Joseph. I can't believe he said yes. Well, more like 'why the fuck not' but still.
Colin (to Jessica): I thought you were afraid of "Crazy Ass Two-Crow."
Jessica (to Colin): Well, I was but I figured since Zoe hangs around with him, he can be all that bad, right? Besides, he's so sexy & hot. I still can't believe I got up the nerve to ask him to the dance.
Colin (to Jessica): Yeah. He's a real catch. Come on. We're gonna be late for economics.
Jessica (to Colin): Oh, okay.
An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Delia (to Vincent): Hey there! Do any of your kids like history/have decent writing/need extra money and/or need to be punished? I'm looking for someone to intern and help catalog at the museum. Bonus if they're not afraid of dead stuff.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. Well, our oldest is running cargo, but I know someone who's looking for a job, likes museums, and isn't afraid of dead things. He's also tall, handsome and British. :-P
Delia (to Vincent): Oh good! Who's the winner of the volun-told lottery? Those other qualifications are totally a bonus by the way.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. I thought they might be. You remember my nephew, Nate? It's his boyfriend Aiden. He's not exactly from this reality, so he's been having a bit of trouble trying to find work.
Delia (to Vincent): Damn. Young AND gay. Oh well.. girl can look. From the other side? Well, I'll give him a try. See how quickly he grasps history from this side. Wouldn't do to have him catalog stuff from places that don't exist here.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. Oh dear. Well, he did say he wanted to fit in better on this side. It will either be perfect, or give him fits. We'll see which. Should I ask him to stop by and see you at the museum?
Delia (to Vincent): Don't see why not. Tell him to stop by this evening for an interview. I'll make sure my staff knows to expect him.
Vincent (to Delia): Thank you, Delia. I'm sure he'll appreciate the opportunity.
A couple hours later, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Nate? Aiden? Are you home? Did you know your front door is open?
Aiden (to Vincent): ... Oh, hi there, Captain. I must have left it open when I came back from my run this morning. Nate will be right out. What can we do for you?
Vincent (to Aiden): Hee hee. According to this maintenance slip, I think it's more likely the gent who stopped by to hook up your washing machine. I'm guessing you two didn't hear him knock.
Aiden (to Vincent): ... No. We had fallen back asleep.
Vincent (to Aiden): Of course. Actually, I stopped by to see you, Aiden. I have a job for you, if you're interested. It doesn't pay much, it's an internship, but it's cataloging museum pieces with an old friend. She knows all about Britannia, so you wouldn't have to worry about slipping up, and she could help you get the feel for working on this side.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Aiden): Hey, Uncle Vincent. What's up?
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): I was just offering your boyfriend a job. And the maintenance man should be back sometime this afternoon.
Aiden (to Vincent): Well, that sounds perfect. I do like museums. (to Nathaniel) Oh and it appears that our new neighbor, Wanda, would like to invite us to a dinner party this weekend. I apparently made quite an impression on her, yesterday.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Based on the conversation you said you had with her, I'm not surprised.
Vincent (to Aiden): Excellent. You'll be interviewing with Delia Fawkes down at the museum. She'll be there late tonight so you can stop by whenever you get a chance.
Aiden (to Vincent): Will do. Is there anything I should know before the interview?
Vincent (to Aiden): Delia and I used to tend bar together when I was in my 20s, and when I was a very STUPID young pirate. Don't believe any of the lies she tells you about me. Unless they sound good, of course.
Aiden (to Vincent): Heh. I think I can remember that... Thank you, Vincent, for telling me about this opportunity. I appreciate it.
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Don't fuss your pretty head about it, Aiden. You're part of the clan. It's what we do. By the way, this Wanda. She didn't happen to be in her mid-forties, probably wearing a smart suit in a bright pattern, and with a lot of blue and pink streaks in her hair, did she? Did she mention her last name?
Aiden (to Vincent): I don't believe she told me her last name, she was dressed fairly casual but she did have streaks in her hair... Why do you ask?
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Hee hee. Because if it's Wanda Goodstein, you two will be in for an interesting evening.
Aiden (to Vincent): Why do I suddenly fear for my life?
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Because you have good instincts. Wanda is a very old, very dear friend. If it IS her pass along our regards, and tell her who your grandfather is, Nate. She'll probably give you a break on the rent.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): But, why would she know who the hell my grandfather is? And how would she give us a break on the rent? Why?
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Because, I believe, Wanda Goodstein owns the building, and she'd be beyond trilled to know "Pastor Nate's" grandson got the hell away from the family and hooked up with a guy.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh...
Aiden (to Vincent & Nathaniel): Heh... I'll see if I can work that into a conversation.
A couple hours later, outside of Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Joseph (to Zoe): Zoe? Why the fuck are you sitting out here?
Zoe (to Joseph): Waiting for you, you big jerk... How fucking dare you kiss me like that... I should have done this last night.
Joseph (to Zoe): ... OW! Fuck, man! That hurt. Shit! I think you broke my nose. What the hell!?!
Zoe (to Joseph): You know exactly what the hell. You're not an idiot.
Joseph (to Zoe): I can't fucking believe you did that. I mean, I half-expected Colin to d--
Zoe (to Joseph): I don't need anyone but me to defend my honor. What you did was totally out of line & completely disrespectful. I thought we were friends. Apparently, I was wrong... Go get yourself cleaned up. You're bleeding all over the place.
Joseph (to Zoe): Yes, ma'am. Look, I'm really sorry. I just thought you might like me the same way.
Zoe (to Joseph): Yeah well, you'll never fucking know now cuz of that dumbass stunt. I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole even if I were single. From now on, only talk to me about project stuff otherwise stay the fuck away from me. Ok?
Joseph (to Zoe): Yeah, okay.
A few moments later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment:
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, what on earth happened to your hand? Come with me.
Zoe (to Poppy): It's okay, mom. Really. You don't have to fuss... But you're totally going to anyway.
Poppy (to Zoe): You need to put some ice on it... Are you okay, honey? You've been acting weird these last few days.
Vincent (to Poppy & Zoe): Is everything OK in here, ladies? Zoe! What happened?
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): ... I'm sorry! I got into a fight with a boy. I might have broken his nose. I was just soooo mad. He totally deserved it. He kissed me after I told him I wouldn't go to the dance with him. I'm sorry. I wouldn't blame you for grounding me. In fact, I deserve it... Just let me go to the dance with Colin & I'll do whatever you want me to do for punishment, willingly.
Vincent (to Zoe): Calm down, sweetie. Calm down. Where did you hit this boy? Did he try to hit you back?
Zoe (to Vincent): I punched him in the face... On the front stoop of the building. His dad lives on the 3rd floor. He didn't try to hit me back. He just took it & apologized for being a jerk.
Vincent (to Zoe): Alright, sweetie. (to Poppy) Can you take care of Zoe's hand, lover? I'll go check on the punchee.
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thank you, sweetness. (to Zoe) What's his name, hun?
Zoe (to Vincent): Joseph Two-Crow.
Poppy (to Zoe): Calm down, hun. Let's make sure everyone is alright before we discuss punishment, OK?
Zoe (to Vincent): Yes, sir.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Joseph): Hi, there. Are you Joseph?
Joseph (to Vincent): Yes... Can I help you?
Vincent (to Joseph): I'm Zoe's dad. Ooo. Good heavens, kiddo. Your face looks awful. Do you need me to call someone for you?
Joseph (to Vincent): No, thanks. My dad went out to pick up some supplies for me. He was an EMT when he was younger.
Vincent (to Joseph): That's good. Hold still for a second... Has the bleeding stopped?
Joseph (to Vincent): ... I uh, I think so.
Vincent (to Joseph): The good news is that I don't think it's broken. When do you think your dad will be back? Those napkins you've got shoved up there aren't doing you any favors.
Joseph (to Vincent): He went to the pharmacy on the corner, so any time now... Is Zoe okay?
Vincent (to Joseph): She's fine. Of course, she's not the one who is going to have a pair of awful looking black-eyes tomorrow.
Joseph (to Vincent): That's good. I was an ass, I deserved it.
Vincent (to Joseph): Maybe. Maybe not. Come on, Joseph. I'll get you cleaned up in our kitchen. That pharmacy closes at 6 pm on the weekdays. Believe me, I have cursed their inexplicable hours many, MANY times.
Joseph (to Vincent): Oh... Zoe's not gonna want to see me. She made that pretty clear. I'll just wait for my dad to get back. I'll be fine.
Vincent (to Joseph): An exception can be made for tonight considering she's the reason you're ruddy well bloody. I think we can manage to keep you two separated. I'm not leaving you out on a street corner looking like that. Where is your dad, really?
Joseph (to Vincent): ... He went to go meet his publisher earlier, he wasn't here when it happened. Thank you.
Vincent (to Joseph): Honestly, it's the very least I can do. The sooner you get ice on that nose and some Tylenol in you, the better you'll feel.
Joseph (to Vincent): Wow... So, this apartment is huge. What do you do for a living?
Vincent (to Joseph): I used to deal in antiques, and the missus used to do government work. (to Poppy) Lover? I've found Joseph. I'm going to get him cleaned up in the kitchen.
Joseph (to Vincent): Oh.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey. I'll take Zoe to her room & get her settled... I think she wore herself out a bit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thank you, hun. (to Joseph) Have a seat. I'm going to go grab the first aid kit. Do you want any tea or water?
Joseph (to Vincent): Water is fine... Um, why are you being so nice to me?
Vincent (to Joseph): My daughter punching you in the face isn't reason enough? Here. Hold this warm washcloth on your face for a few minutes. That will get most of the dried blood off, and we can see what kind of damage Zoe's done.
Joseph (to Vincent): Yes, sir.
Vincent (to Joseph): I don't think I've ever been called sir more than I have tonight... Alright. Let's take a look… It doesn't look too awful. Good heavens. She got you good... She really should know better. Here's a couple of Tylenol. Take two or three of these every four hours. I'll get some ice for you. If you keep it on for 15 minutes and then take it off for 15, that should help with the bruising and swelling. Do you have a key to your dad's apartment?
Joseph (to Vincent): Yeah, I can handle all of that. I've got my house key right here. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.
Vincent (to Joseph): It really wasn't any bother, kiddo. Now, I'm sure you suspected this was coming, as I AM Zoe's father... But when a girl tells you she doesn't want to date you, or go to a dance with you, what you SHOULD do is bow out gracefully, not try to kiss her. I don't for one second think you meant any harm, and I'm sure you thought it would be romantic, but... Well, obviously, it wasn't appreciated. Never, ever touch someone who doesn't want to be touched. That being said, you certainly didn't deserve to almost get your nose broken. Slapped, maybe, but not this.
Joseph (to Vincent): ... I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't normally do that kinda thing. I just thought-- I thought she was flirting with me earlier & she seemed irritated with Colin. I just re-- It doesn't matter. Thank you again. I should go home.
Vincent (to Joseph): Hee hee. You just made a dumb shit boy decision and it went awry. It happens to the best of us. Believe me, mine were worse. I ended up MUCH more broken, for one. Head home, hun. Oh! And try to sleep sitting up. It should help. Remember your ice.
Joseph (to Vincent): Oh okay. Good night, sir.
Vincent (to Joseph): Good God. I feel like I'm a million years old. You can call me Vincent. Good night. Let us know if you need anything else. And since I'm sure your dad will want to yell and scream at me for raising such a little brute, I'll be home tomorrow.
