Aiden: Well, that was, by far, one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life... I think I need a good run to clear my head & then sleep.
Vincent (to Aiden): Aiden! Oh good. They've released you as well. I'm taking Nate home. Do you want a ride?
Aiden (to Vincent): Yes, thank you. Can you please explain to me what that was all about? It was... It was just downright embarrassing. The questions they were asking. Half of which I had no answers for.
Vincent (to Aiden): You didn't answer any of them without your lawyer present, did you?
Aiden (to Vincent): Of course not, Ms. Hale was there the whole time.
Vincent (to Aiden): Thank goodness. I'm sorry, Aiden. I know you're not that foolish. It's just been a very long evening. My dearest, darling just plain peachy keen biological family is kicking up shit. They're trying to get Nate declared incompetent, and as part of that, they've filed charges of "aggravated sexual battery" against you.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Aiden): You forgot about the charges of statutory rape too. I'm so fucking sorry to put you through this...
Aiden (to Vincent): But, that's just preposterous! I would never do anything like that. Not to Nate, not to anyone. (to Nathaniel) It's alright, Nate. I'll be fine... I think. How are you holding up?
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Nate, it's not your fault. Come on, boys. Let me get you home. I'm sure you're both exhausted. Don't worry. The accusations are ridiculous, and I seriously doubt they're going anywhere. It'll all be fine.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. Thanks.
Aiden (to Vincent): Thank you. I feel like I could sleep for a week. (to Nathaniel) Nate, look at me, for a second... I love you & I don't regret a moment of being with you, okay? If your family wants to try and drag me through the mud just to make themselves feel better about their shoddy behavior. Fine. But, I don't want you thinking this is going to change the way I feel about you in the slightest. If nothing else this will hopefully get them out of our lives for good once it's all over.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... I love you too. Thank you. I'm... I'm alright. I'm just trying not to lose my shit in the police station parking lot.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Okay. (to Vincent) Vincent? I think we're very much ready to go.
Vincent (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Alright. Let's get the hell out of here, shall we?
Aiden (to Vincent & Nathaniel): Yes, let's.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Nate? Aiden? You're home. You both dozed off in the back seat.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Shit. Yeah... Thank you, Uncle Vincent. I... I don't know what I would have done if you...
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Nate, it's fine. It's what we're here for. Don't worry. We'll get this all sorted out.
Aiden (to Vincent): Thank you for the ride home. I'm not sure I could have handled the trek.
Vincent (to Aiden): It wasn't a problem, Aiden. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call. Take care of Nate for us. Last night wasn't an easy one for him. And take care of yourself. We'll see you both soon.
Aiden (to Vincent): I will. Thank you again.
A few minutes later, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come on, handsome. Let's get you into our nice comfy bed.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... Are you OK? I thought I was gonna shit a brick when my uncle told me they'd hauled you in too. I know you said but holy shit, I'm sorry! I had no idea my folks would pull something so fucking... God!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here... It's okay, Nate. Really. I meant what I said earlier. Yes, this is terrible. But, not unexpected. Your aunt warned me about your family. She told me about the stunts they pulled with your uncle when he was younger. My lawyer was prepared. Sabrina is fantastic & knows about me. Her late husband was from Britannia, so she knows that the accusations that I'm the one who "corrupted" you all along are ridiculous & unfounded. She'll get it sorted. I'm just worried about you. What do you need?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): To smack both my parents upside the fucking head? I don't know. I really don't... I just can't... I can't even fathom it. When I actually got fucking raped, choked half-fucking-conscious, pillow over my goddamn head, they did JACK SHIT! I get a BOYFRIEND that I fucking love and they're calling the goddamn cops! I just... I don't... What do I think about that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know. Maybe, they're feeling guilty about their past behavior or it's simply mean-spirited vindictiveness. Having only met your aunt that one time, I can't really say what the motivation is for any of this. But, I do know that you're only a couple weeks away from turning 18 & then, they hopefully won't be able to pull this kind of thing again. And, we will get through this. Vincent, Poppy & I won't let them do anything to you. Okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. Thank you. And I know you can't tell me why my family are being such fucking dicks. I'm sorry. My uncle thinks they're doing this now, trying to get me declared incompetent and shit, because I'm almost 18. I'm just so... I'm so goddamn pissed off. I didn't run off to be a petulant dick... Well, maybe I did a little bit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? I have a strange question... You are named after your grandfather, right?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Except for the god awful middle name. That one's all mine.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Is he still alive?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not sure. He was when I left, but he wasn't doing so good. Why?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh. I was just thinking... In Britannia, it's not all that uncommon for a well to-do family to try & discredit an "eccentric" member of the family to get their inheritance.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... Oh my god. They wouldn't... I mean, that's just... I... I could totally see my grandmother doing that. I don't feel so good...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh god. I'm sorry I brought it up. Let's just get some rest.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's fine. I'll be fine. I'm just exhausted, I think. I'm sure you are too.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here, it'll be okay.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... I know. Let's go get some sleep. I feel like I'm gonna fall over.
At Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Vincent: Good God... I'm going to drink a bottle of wine and sleep for three days.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you look a mess. Here, let me get you to bed & dote on you.
Vincent (to Poppy): You are too good to me, lover. It was a long evening.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's no trouble at all. I happen to have it on good authority that you would do the same for me. Here's a glass of wine... Bottle is on the nightstand. How about we put something silly on the TV & you curl up with me?
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds absolutely heavenly, lover. Have I ranted lately about my distaste for my biological family? I fear it's once again a relevant topic.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think you are well overdue for a family rant, lover. Rant away. I shall look solemn & shout the appropriate epithets when needed. I know there's a few choice phrases that I'd like to throw in their direction.
Vincent (to Poppy): Did you know they never charged the little monster that assaulted Nate in my father's bullshit bootcamp?
Poppy (to Vincent): That's awful, honey. I swear if I'm ever alone in a room with his parents the Magpie may come out of retirement. I know I shouldn't wish ill on anyone, but I'd really like to make an exception in their case.
Vincent (to Poppy): Believe me, you're not the only one. And after hearing some of the details, I'd do more than charge that boy. I would've damned well strung him up! I know they're not fans of his sexuality, but if I were my brother, I'd be throwing a damn party that my son had managed to open himself up to ANYONE. Gender be damned. What the hell are they thinking?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not sure, honey. But, I have a feeling there's more going on then their usual nonsense... Would you like me to look into it? I have a score of bored unemployed ISS operatives that would probably love to do something useful... I'm sure I could get Fox to look into it. He's quite discreet with that kind of thing.
Vincent (to Poppy): That might not be a bad idea, hun. If nothing else, we can use it to have a little "chat" with my biological family and get them to back the fuck right off. You know how my family hates controversy.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, I'll see what I can do later today or tomorrow. For right now, I'd like to continue our cuddling & resting.
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds like an excellent plan, lover. I'm so happy to be home with you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Me too, lover.
An hour or so later, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! I missed you this morning. So, how grounded were you?
Zoe (to Colin): Hey! No phone, computer, TV, skipping or fun until the dance. I'm to come straight home after school & no dawdling.
Colin (to Zoe): So, pretty damn grounded. Heh. I got the same when I got into a fight. I guess we'll have to make the most of school time.
Zoe (to Colin): Yeah. I wish we had at least one class together, then we could at least say we need to do homework together or something.
Colin (to Zoe): I don't suppose you need tutoring in math, do you?
Zoe (to Colin): Um... Why yes, actually I do. You wouldn't happen to know anyone that would be willing to tutor me, would you?
Colin (to Zoe): I know someone EXCELLENT in math, who would be more than willing to tutor you. I mean, you DO have a test soon, right?
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, on Tuesday, actually... I wonder if my parents would buy that?
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. We can sure as hell try. Are you OK? You seem kinda upset. Did things go really badly with Joseph yesterday?
Zoe (to Colin): No, it's not that... Shit happened with Nate's family. He & Dad had to go deal with it. They weren't home when I headed off to school, so I was a little worried. Shit! The bell. I'll see you later.
Colin (to Zoe): Okay. Bye.
A few hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Delia (to Vincent): Hey, sugarbutt. I think I found a box when I was unpacking my storage unit of old clothes you'd convinced me to buy. Any interest in some leather pants and what are now vintage club clothes or should I keep this. I'm not sure it fits anymore. I could always let the young'uns sort through it and make off with what they want, too.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. Oh, you HAVE to pass that along. I have an old box of Drac's gear myself. We'll horrify the kiddles with it. ;-P
Delia (to Vincent): I can bring it over anytime. Looks like this box also still contains the dress I wore to that goth prom we held. Also… I'm blaming you for this awful couch I found with my stuff. I don't remember how I got it. Obviously your fault.
Vincent (to Delia): Ha ha ha! Oh, you looked amazing in that dress, and you know it. And if *I* told you to buy that couch, it would be a fabulous brocade number.
Delia (to Vincent): It's soooooo not. Its this lurid pink with black velvet designs. Imagine if you made a couch out of a dead saloon girl.
Vincent (to Delia): Oh. Hee hee hee. Actually, I might be responsible for that.
Delia (to Vincent): Yeah, you weren't the bastion of good taste, I'm sure you are now when I first met you.
Vincent (to Delia): You think I'm a bastion of good taste? Far be it from me to correct you.
Delia (to Vincent): …Okay. That might have been overstating matters.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. How are you settling in, hun?
Delia (to Vincent): Not too bad. Its weird being in one place. Or... well.. knowing I'm going to be in one place longer then 6mos.
Vincent (to Delia): Hee hee. I know how you feel. This is the first time Poppy and I have been stationary in a long while.
Delia (to Vincent): So, apparently I've come back at just the right time. Well. Give Poppy love. I'll stop by tomorrow with some of this stuff.
Vincent (to Delia): I will. We'll see you then, sweetie. Give my love to the mummies.
A few moments later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Hello, lover. What are you making in here? It smells delicious.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's just a simple curry, honey. Did you sleep alright?
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I don't know that I slept so much as lost consciousness. I'm sorry I slept most of the day away.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's alright, lover, you obviously needed it.
Vincent (to Poppy): You are too good to me, lover. Is Zoe up and about? I'm sure she's bursting at the seams to know what's been going on.
Poppy (to Vincent): She's in her room doing her homework... She was asking about a math tutor. She's got a test coming up on Monday that she'd like some help with the preparation for it... I said I needed to talk to you first, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmmm. Oh yeah. Heh. I wonder who on earth she could possibly want to tutor her. What do you think, hun? Honestly, all this business has got me feeling sappy and sentimental, so I'm tempted to let her.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. Honestly, I'm tempted to give her a terrible project at the inn & then call her grounding done for the same reason.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. We're just big ol' softies, aren't we? I'm sure Molly wouldn't mind. Do you want me to talk to her?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. I meant the inn here, honey. I wouldn't trust Zoe & Persephone together, the universe might explode.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh good heavens! You're right. What the hell was I thinking? I must not be awake yet. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's okay, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Come give me a hug, gorgeous before I go chat with Zoe.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... I'll clean up the kitchen while you're doing that. Here, bring the prisoner some dinner, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Aye, aye, madam.
A moment later:
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe? Are you hungry, sweetie?
Zoe (to Vincent): I wasn't until you brought that in here. That smells delicious.
Vincent (to Zoe): Here you go. So, do you want to talk about your grounding, or ask me a bunch of questions about last night first?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh... I was worried when I realized you still weren't home when I got up for school. Is everything okay with Nate?
Vincent (to Zoe): ...Well, no. Not exactly. Not at the moment. His parents are having one final shit fit before he turns 18, it seems. They're trying to get him declared incompetent, and they've filed charges against Aiden.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh my god! Are they okay? Is Aiden in jail?
Vincent (to Zoe): I think they're both a little shell shocked. No one is in jail. The charges are ridiculous, and I'm sure they'll be dropped. Unless his parents can get Nate declared too crazy to be responsible himself, nothing about their relationship is illegal.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, that's good. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it'll work out.
Vincent (to Zoe): It'll work out, sweetie. Don't worry about it. So, about your grounding... Your mother and I discussed it, and if you're willing to do some horrible menial tasks down at the Inn for your mom we're willing to end your grounding early.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh... I'm totally willing.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. I thought you might be totes willing.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh my god! Thank you, thank you!
Vincent (to Zoe): Oof! Hee hee. Don't thank me just yet. You still have to do whatever it is your mom wants. :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): ... It's going to be something terrible, isn't it?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Most likely.
Meanwhile, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Hey. You're up.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I couldn't fall back to sleep.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Sorry I slept so long. ... I have no idea what to say.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Are you hungry? I could make... um, order something.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. No, not really. You want me to make something? I think we've got enough here to make something easy...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm actually not hungry, but thank you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Alright. Lemme know if you want anything. Are you... Have you been drinking?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Just a little. I kinda felt like I needed it. And, this wine that Wanda left is quite good.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. It's alright. I don't fucking blame you. If I thought I could be trusted to stop, I'd probably join you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... If I let you have one glass & then distracted you from having more, would you be willing?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You trying to get me drunk, Wilkes?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Perhaps. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I hate to say it, but it'll take more than a glass of wine. How about I skip the wine and go right to the distraction?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I think I can honestly say that I'm onboard for that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Sounds good to me. Thank you. For being so good about all this shit, I mean. You are fucking amazing... I love you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you too, Nate.
