Ariadne: Oh fuck me with a chainsaw… (to Winchester) What can I do for you, Chess? I'm not going to fall for your wounded act again.
Winchester (to Ariadne): To be fair, Doctor, I did have a pulled muscle. But, that's not why I'm here. I just wanted to grab a first aid kit. I have a bit of a mission from the boss lady.
Ariadne (to Winchester): Okay, fine… Here you go.
Winchester (to Ariadne): Thank you, lovely lady. I shall now run off to say my goodbyes to my lovely firebug.
A few moments later:
Winchester (to Fiona): McGillivray, stop trying to sneak up on me! I know you're in the air duct.
Fiona (to Winchester): I WAS in the air duct. Turns out I'm a bit too tall for it. Oop! But you were expecting that too, weren't you, druisire? … Nearly got me that time, Fox.
Winchester (to Fiona): Well, I wouldn't want you to get bored with me, my little firebug… Speaking of which, I'm going to be out of town for a bit.
Fiona (to Winchester): Oh? Heh. Finally need a break do you? :-P
Winchester (to Fiona): Not at all… The little boss needs me to run an errand for her. I should be gone for a week or so.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ooo! I am jealous. Have fun, lovely! Do try not to cause too much collateral damage, and watch your arse.
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh… Are you worried about me? I didn't know you cared.
Fiona (to Winchester): Worried? Please. Looking like you do and doing what we do, I'd be a fool if I thought you needed my concern. Don't go getting all gooey on me now, Fox. What good will you be then?
Winchester (to Fiona): Far be it for me to go all gooey on you, firebug. Heh. I'll see you soon.
Meanwhile, on the street, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey! Zoe! Wait up. I wanted to talk to you real quick before school. You mind?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh. Hey, Nate. What's up?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm gonna be headed out of town for a bit, so I wanted to say goodbye first. I figured you'd never forgive me if I didn't.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What!?! Where are you going, Nate? Is Aiden going with you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. He can't. I'm, um, I'm gonna go ho-- back to Mississippi and sort all this bullshit out. My dad said he'll drop the charges against Aiden if I go back to Oxford and talk to my doctors and shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate, you can't go by yourself. What if it's a trick? What if they try to keep you there? … I'll go with you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Of course it's a fucking trick. I'm probably gonna get handcuffed & "escorted" to the hospital the second I step off the bus. You can't come with me. You have school, for one, and for two, where the fuck are you gonna stay? My folks won't put you up.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): A motel... I have some money. You can't go by yourself.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Zoe, even if you come, they won't let you see me. I'll be fine. I promise. I'm not having psychotic breaks anymore, I'm not suicidal, and I'm not fucking crazy. Despite what my parents think, being gay isn't considered a mental disease. The worst they can do is lock me up for a week. I'll be 18 by then, so after the evaluation, they'll HAVE to let me leave.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know. But, you need someone to make sure you're okay. Take Mars, River or even, Hari with you. Please?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Come on. No one wants to spend a week in Butt Fuck Nowhere, Mississippi.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You can't go alone… Um, I'll-- I'll tell dad you're going if you go alone.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. You're gonna tell your dad on me? That's your... Are you crying?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No… Yes… Maybe…
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Don't--don't do THAT! Why the fuck are you crying, you weirdo! I'm not dying or anything. Just... Hey! Stop!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Promise me, you'll take someone with you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I... Fine. Alright, yes! I'll ask someone to come with me. But, if no one can go, I'm going by myself, OK? I have to get this fixed.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know you do. I just don't want you to get stuck there… Does Aiden know you're going?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Not yet. He has his first day of work today. I didn't wanna get him all upset or anything.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You weren't going to tell him, at all, were you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... How big an asshole does it make me sound like if I say no? I'm gonna tell him. It's only fair. 'Sides, if I don't, he might fucking show up in Oxford anyhow.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay… Good. He's not going to be happy about you going alone, either. Shit! I gotta get to school. Please, be careful.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I will! Go! Don't be late! And cover up that huge ass hickey you got on your neck, pervert! :-P
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, thank god, I have a scarf. See you later & be safe!
A short time later, the office at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: ... Alright. I can do this. Right? Right. (to Mouse) Um, Emma? Am I interrupting?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Not at all, Nate. What can I do for you?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I'm sorry to have to do this, but I, uh, I kinda need to be off the schedule for a little while. There's been some drama cause of my parents. I'm gonna try to sort it out, but they want me to come to Mississippi to do it.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Yeah, Vincent told me what's been going on. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with all that. I think I can get your shifts covered easily.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Thank you! I'm really sorry about this. I'm not sure how long it will take. They, um... God, this is embarrassing. If they have me committed, I might be gone for a week or so.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Nate… You're not going on your own, are you?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): No. I mean, I told Zoe I wouldn't, but I'm, um, I'm not sure who I can ask... It'll be alright if I don't find anyone.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm with Zoe on this. You shouldn't go alone.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): ... Probably not. I hate to ask anyone to come with me and have to deal with my family, though. It's a shitty way to spend time.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): That's what friends are for, Nate. I'm sure anyone you asked would be willing to go with you. Sure, it's not going to be fun but it would be better than all of us staying here & worrying about you. We all love you & want you to be okay.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I, um... Thank you. I won't go by myself.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Thank you… Now, get out of here or I'll make you work on your day off. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. Alright! Alright! I'll call as soon as I'm back in town.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
River (to Nathaniel): Hey! Come to help out with this catering job?
Nathaniel (to River): No. I had to ask Emma for some time off for a while. I have to go outta town for a while.
River (to Nathaniel): Oh… Well, I hope you have a good time.
Nathaniel (to River): I doubt it. I'm going to see my parents. They're... They're being dicks. They're trying to get Aiden in trouble.
River (to Nathaniel): Damn, that sucks… My sister's best friend, Max, went through something similar a few years ago when he came out to his family.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah? Jesus... What'd they do?
River (to Nathaniel): They tried to get his boyfriend thrown in jail. Max came & lived with my sister for awhile. It all worked out, thankfully. They're now married and are just about to adopt a baby.
Nathaniel (to River): That's the same thing my parents are doing. They charged him with statutory rape and a bunch of other bullshit... My dad said if I go back, they'll drop the charges.
River (to Nathaniel): Oh, do you believe him?
Nathaniel (to River): Not really. My old man has a history of telling me whatever bullshit he thinks'll make me go back. Truthfully, I think he just wants me home so he can get me locked up again. But if there's a chance he'll keep his word...
River (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I understand. Well, good luck. I gotta get back to work. Call if you need someone to come rescue you from the family.
Nathaniel (to River): Oh. Um, thanks. Good luck with the order. I'll see you soon. I hope.
An hour or so later, at Marlena's apartment, West Piedmont:
Marlena: Behave, you stupid fucking canvas!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Hey. Holy shit... Am I interrupting a murder? I'd help you dispose of the body and all, but I'm kinda on the cop's radar...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh… Sorry. I was having a horrible run-in with this stupid fucking canvas.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): That's... That's paint and not blood, right? Are you hurt?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Don't get your panties in a twist, it's just paint. So, what's up?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): God... This is... I'm about to ask you for a huge fucking favor. Feel free to tell me to fuck off and die, but, um... Did your mom tell you about what happened with the cops the other night?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I was worried about you & Aiden after I dropped off your shit at the apartment.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah... My folks are being real peaches about the whole thing. My dad left me a message Saturday. He said they'd drop the charges against Aiden if I came and talked to them. So I am. It's just... No one wants me to go alone, just in case...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): And?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Um, would you mind coming with me? Like I said, you can tell me to fuck off. It's not like it's gonna be fun.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Sure, give me a little while to pack some shit up… Want me to drive? When do you want to go? What's with the face?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Sorry. I just wasn't expecting... Thanks. I figured I'd leave tomorrow. I was gonna go today, but I should talk to Aiden first.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Fat Christ, Nate! You didn't fucking tell Aiden you were going home to deal with your family?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Not yet. I didn't wanna fucking upset him right before his first day at work, alright?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, that's sweet & all but this isn't like 'Hey honey, I'm just stepping out to pick up groceries' kinda thing... It's kind of a big fucking deal. Look, just let him know that I'm going with you, so he doesn't have to worry, okay? You don't want him running down there after you & getting himself in more hot water.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): No, I fucking do not. I'll tell him, and I'll let him know you're going with me. You don't mind driving? I'll give you money for gas and a hotel and shit. Hopefully, we'll only be there like two fucking days.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Sounds like a plan… Did you tell Uncle Vincent that you're going?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): No... Shit. I'm gonna have to do that, aren't I? Especially since I told your mom.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, you are… Here, let's go grab a smoke. I think we both could use one.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Thanks. I should probably also tell him that my grandpa, his dad, I mean, isn't in such great health. I didn't think about it. Sometimes I forget Uncle Vincent was born a Jones, you know? He doesn't seem like a big enough dick.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... He's had his fucking moments according to my mom, but they're few & far between. So, is there anything I should know to be prepared for on this trip?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Christ... I don't know. We're smack dab into small-town Mississippi. I'm not actually from Oxford. Dad's a minister, Mom runs a grocery store and my brother Bubba is a meat head. He's going to Ole Miss, I think.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Okay. So, how are they going to fucking react to me being there with you? What I'm trying to ever so fucking delicately to ask is, are you parents & brother a bunch of racist motherfuckers? Cuz, I'd like to be prepared for that sort of thing. I can deal with it, I just want to be prepared.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Bubba might, cause he thinks he's being edgy or funny or some shit. Mom and Dad won't. They're homophobic douchebags, but not racist ones. Least not that I know. Where we're going is REALLY fucking whitebread, though. So you'll get stares. Plus, you've got blue in your hair, and you're gonna be with me... We can stay near the college. Won't be as bad there.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. Stares I can fucking handle. It'll be fine. So, we'll hit the road tomorrow. Just give me a call when you're ready & I'll swing by your place & grab you. God, we'll need to pick up some jerky. What? It's good road trip food.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Alright. I'll grab you some jerky. Um, there's one more thing. My dad might try to get me committed me while I'm there. If that happens, I, um, I could get locked up for like a week.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): So, if that happens, I call in the fucking Potter family militia & spring you. No fucking big deal. Relax, Nate, I've got your back. We may not be blood related but we're fucking family, ok?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Heh. Yeah... I didn't think of that. I was gonna tell you to head home if you hadn't heard from me in three days. Thanks, Mars. I'm gonna go ruin our uncle's day, and then my boyfriend's day. I'll see you tomorrow.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Good luck & I'll see you tomorrow.
A couple hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: Um, hello? Is anyone home?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Nate! How are you holding up, kiddo? Poppy is taking a nap, and I'm getting myself something to nosh. Are you hungry?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): No. Um, no thanks. I've gotta talk to you about something.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Oh? Have a seat. What's on your mind?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Um, two things, actually. I'm going to visit my parents in Mississippi to sort this whole fuck--um, this whole mess with them out. And also, I thought you should know that your dad isn't in very good health. Aiden thought that might be one of the reasons my parents wanted to declare me too crazy to function. You know, if there was an inheritance.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Did your dad offer to drop the pending charges if you went back home?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah... I know. He could be lying, but if he's not...
Vincent (to Nathaniel): You're not going by yourself, are you?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): No. I asked Mars to come with me. She offered to drive, and then said she'd watch my back and call in the militia if my folks try anything.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): ... To tell you the truth, Nate, I don't like this. I'm sure your parents love you, but they... They haven't made a lot of choices that I agree with, especially when it comes to you and your well-being. And I worry this time isn't any different.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): I know. But I've gotta try.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): I know you do, Nate. You are a very brave young man, you know that? And because I know you're not going to hear much of this for the next few days, your aunt and I are SO very proud of you. You've done amazing things for yourself, kiddo. It's good to see. If you or Mars need anything, ANYTHING at all, call, OK?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Um... I don't know what to say. Thank you.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): You don't have to say anything, kiddo. It's true. We love you, and we're glad you came here. When are you leaving?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Tomorrow morning.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Do us a favor and swing by before you go, OK? I'm sure everyone will want to say goodbye and wish you luck.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. I will. I'm, uh, I'm gonna go. I've got to pack and Aiden...
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Say no more. We'll see you tomorrow.
A short time later, on the streets of Oxford, Mississippi:
Winchester: My goodness, is this what Hell looks like!?! … Let's see if I can find a hotel with indoor plumbing... And then, it's to work.
An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Winchester (to Poppy): Miss Poppy? Just checking in. I've arrived in Oxford... I feel like I'm in the colonies on our side.
Poppy (to Winchester): You'll do just fine, Chess. Let me know when you're back in town.
Winchester (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. It shouldn't be more than a few days.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Are you awake, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey. What's going on? I thought I heard Nate's voice a little while ago. Does he miss us already?
Vincent (to Poppy): Not quite. He wanted to let us know he's going to Mississippi for a few days, and try to talk some sense into his parents.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh… Did you tell him about Chess, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): No. I wasn't sure if I should say anything. Apparently my brother told Nate if he spoke to them, they would leave Aiden alone.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'll believe that when I see it, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Likewise. He also said my father wasn't doing so well...
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, honey, I'm sorry. I know he was awful but he was still your father.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's alright, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, honey, I think it looks like we need a good old fashioned distraction…
Vincent (to Poppy): I think that sounds like an excellent idea, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, come here, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am.
A few hours later, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Hello, handsome… Why are you packing? Did I do something wrong?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh! Hey. You're back earlier than I expected. I--I wanted to have this all done... Wait What did you say?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Have I done something wrong, Nate? Why are you packing?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Of course you didn't do anything wrong! You're, uh, you're not gonna like this, but I'm going to visit my parents. I'm gonna see if I can't get all this shit sorted with them.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Do you think that's wise? This is clearly just a ploy to get you home.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...I know. I'm not going alone. Mars is coming with me, and she's gonna drive, so I'll have a ride home whenever I need it. It's just... If there's a chance, any kind of a chance, I can keep them from fucking with you, or making things harder for us. I've gotta try. I can't let them screw with you, Aiden. I can't. I love you too fucking much for that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, Nate. I don't care what they do to me. I just want you to be okay. But, if you feel like this is what you have to do to make that happen. I'll go along with it. Though, I'd prefer it if it was me going with you but I'm glad you're taking Mars… Is there anything I can do to help?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah, well *I* care what happens to you. I care a whole fucking lot. I know you wanna come, but you can't. Not this time. Besides, you really think you could manage hearing my family say something shitty about me and NOT punch someone? :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Not even in the slightest… which probably wouldn't help the situation at all. You are amazing, Nate. I love you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh... Heh. Wait until I get back and manage to convince the dickheads in my family to act like decent human beings before you say that. Did you really think I was leaving you? Seriously?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I didn't know what to think. You were jittery & nervous last night. And, this morning you were acting overly excited about getting me off to work. What else was I to think when I came home to find you packing?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah... Sorry. I ended up listening to that message my dad left me, and... Part of me didn't wanna tell you. Hell, my first instinct was to hop a bus and go there today. But, I couldn't do that, you know? Anyway... I love you. You're gonna need like a crowbar and a fucking crane to get rid of me. Or one of those backhoe things.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. That's good to know. I feel the same about you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Good. I'm not going anywhere, OK? Even when I'm weird and stupid and twitchy. And, I hate to tell you, I'm probably gonna be fucking weird, stupid and twitchy a lot. How was your first day of work?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, right. Work… It was good. Ms. Fawkes had me archiving in the Ancient Egyptian section all day. It was very interesting. It's not the Imperial Guard but I think I could learn to like it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You hungry? I can make you something.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Actually, I'm starving.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Come on. I'll cook.
A few moments later, in the kitchen:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I guess you're gonna be stuck with take out for a couple of nights, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's alright. I'm sure I can handle it for a few days. Just promise me you'll come home quickly, ok?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Believe me, I'm not staying any fucking longer than I absolutely have to.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Good… The bed will be quite empty without you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm, um, I'm gonna miss you like fucking nuts, you know? Probably not gonna be able to sleep the whole time I'm there...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here, handsome.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Hold on... I've gotta get this simmering first, or you'll never eat. You wanna starve, or what?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I just wanted a hug, silly boy… Here, you cook, I'll hug.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'll silly boy you. ...God. I so don't wanna leave tomorrow.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Then, don't… Tell your family to stuff it & stay here with me. We'll deal with the consequences together.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I don't want there to BE consequences for you just for fucking dating me, Aiden. I know everyone keeps telling me it's not my fault, but it sure doesn't fucking feel that way.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I hate to say it but there are consequences for everything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know... But, what if I can fix this? I don't want you and everyone else to have to deal with my family being petty fuckers. I just wanna be able to fix this...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): And, that's why I love you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Cause I've got some stupid pathological need to take a stand against my parents?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, there's that. But, also because you are not willing to just lie down & let them get their way. If this had happened when you first ran away, you might have. I'm proud of you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, thanks. It helps to have a good cheering section, you know? I think dinner is done. Want anything to drink?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): A glass of wine would be lovely.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): OK. Here you go.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Thank you. It looks delicious.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I gotta make sure you'll miss me when I'm gone, right?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. As if there could be any doubt.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I figured it wouldn't hurt to remind you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … You are pure evil. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'll bet that's not the last time I'm gonna hear that this week. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, but when I say it to you, it's flirting.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. I was just kidding. Believe me, I don't make a habit of kissing anyone else who says it to me...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, that's good…
A short time later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Why don't you go finish packing while I'll clean up all this? Then, we can curl up & watch a movie.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. That sounds good. Thanks. I should be done in a little bit. I'll come help you with the dishes when I'm done.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sounds good to me.
