Violet (to Nathaniel): Good morning, Nate! You're here awfully early. Are you that excited to get started? That's a great sign, however, I really need my morning coffee first… Don't worry this doesn't count as part of your lesson. Have a seat. You want anything?
Nathaniel (to Violet): No thank you. I'm good. Sorry. I didn't mean to be this early. The bus took less time than I thought it would.
Violet (to Nathaniel): That's alright. Feel free to look around & ask questions… It's always odd in the kitchen without the hustle & bustle.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Yeah... I'm, uh, heh... Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm not even sure what to ask.
Violet (to Nathaniel): It's okay. So, what would you like to learn first?
Nathaniel (to Violet): I dunno. Something I can make at home, I suppose. I don't really have a whole shit...uh, a whole lot of cooking experience. Heh. You're gonna have to be real remedial with me.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Heh… Alright. Simple question. Have you ever made eggs or pancakes before?
Nathaniel (to Violet): I've made scrambled and hardboiled eggs, and, uh, does Bisquick count for pancakes? Cause I can mix the hell outta Bisquick.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Heh… We're going to need a bigger boat. Alright, we're going to start with some very simple crepes. Come on, let's get cooking.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Yes, ma'am.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Yukiko (to Poppy & Vincent): Good morning… Oooo, is that fresh baked bread that I'm smelling?
Vincent (to Yukiko): Yoyo! Hello, hun! It's so good to see you. Where's young captain Harrison hiding himself?
Yukiko (to Vincent): He'll be along shortly. He needed to finish a few things back on the Sister, but he brought me here, first. We're sorry we're a day late. We had a few delays on our last delivery.
Poppy (to Yukiko): It's alright, honey. Have a seat. You look like you could use some tea.
Vincent (to Yukiko): It happens, hun. As we know all too well. Is everything alright?
Yukiko (to Poppy): Thank you. (to Poppy & Vincent) A former CLANNG lieutenant asked for help to get to the colonies. I think he had been the one stationed at the Longfellow Inn. Victor didn't think it was right to not help him, but we don't trust him, at all. Victor wanted to check the ship for anything he may have left onboard, just to be safe.
Vincent (to Yukiko & Poppy): Well, well...
Victor: Hello? (to Vincent & Poppy) Heh. I thought everyone would be in the kitchen. That's why I didn't open a portal in there. Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. (to Yukiko) Miss Sato. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Captain Harrison. :-P
Poppy (to Victor): Hi sweetie.
Victor (to Poppy): Holy crap, Mom! You're starting to show!
Poppy (to Victor): Yes, honey, that's what happens when you're pregnant.
Vincent (to Victor): And she looks lovely! Yoyo was just telling us about your little CLANNG friend.
Poppy (to Vincent, Victor & Yukiko): And, since you're all here. I wanted to let you know that you're going to have to start thinking of names for our new family member.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Oh?
Victor (to Poppy): Boy names or girl names?
Poppy (to Victor): Boy names, honey. You & Zoe are going to have a little brother.
Victor (to Poppy): What?! REALLY? Wow. I've never had a brother before... Unless you count Nate, and he would no doubt HATE that.
Poppy (to Victor): Yes, honey… I think I would have remembered if you did. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Is it? Ha ha ha! The Longfellow curse strikes again. Oh, we are going to be in trouble with this one, lover. I can tell.
Victor (to Poppy): With our tendency to pick up wayward children? You might not. Seph said you very nearly took Charles home with you. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, let's hope not. (to Victor) It was probably just the hormones talking, honey. Why don't you & Yoyo get yourselves cleaned up? You smell like sheep.
Yukiko (to Poppy, Vincent & Victor): We are quite sheep-y smelling. I beg your pardon.
Victor (to Poppy): Whew! Good heavens! We certainly do. I'm sorry, Mom. I was only teasing. Besides, if you wanted to take Mr. Turner home, you would have to fight Seph for him. He's taken over running the kitchen and dining area in every aspect but name. :-P
Poppy (to Victor): Heh. I bet Persephone is tickled about that. I know how desperately she wants to get out of the inn.
Victor (to Poppy): Heh. I do believe that's why Aunt Molly and Uncle Bernard told her she could start at university or run cargo with us once the baby starts sleeping through the night. She is over the moon about it.
Vincent (to Yukiko & Victor): Alright, alright. Family gossip can wait. Please go get cleaned up, kids. It reeks of farm animal in here.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Of course. (to Victor) Come on, Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Yes. (to Vincent) Sorry, Dad. We'll be sorted out shortly.
Vincent (to Poppy, Yukiko & Victor): Hee hee. What she said. Have fun, kids!
Yukiko (to Victor): … So, are you excited about a little brother?
Victor (to Yukiko): I am! A bit nervous, as I have no idea what to actually do with a baby, but excited still.
A short time later, at the Gilded Lily, East Piedmont:
Nathaniel: Holy shit! These crepes I made a fucking amazing. How the hell did that happen?
Violet (to Nathaniel): I told you that you could do it, silly boy.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Heh. Yeah. You did. You had more faith in me than I did. That was amazing. Thank you.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Heh. Learning how to cook isn't that hard. You try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, & try to enjoy it. Great chefs aren't born, they're made. When my dad first started this place, I was notorious for burning things. He lived in fear that there would be no one to run the kitchen in his place, if something were to happen to him or he wanted to retire. And, one day, it just clicked for me & I realized this was what I wanted to do. I think you've got the knack, Nate. Now, when do want to come by for your next lesson? Then, we'll actually start with the real lessons. This was just to get you comfortable in the kitchen.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Really? You think so? ...OK. Um, I'm working Wednesday-Saturday this week. I usually work mornings, cause I bake. But, my schedule's pretty flexible. Um, when works for you? You're the one with a restaurant to run.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Heehee, I don't run this place on my own. My dad & older brother run the place, I just rule over the kitchen with an iron spatula… If you want to come by in the afternoons after our lunch rush, we can use the catering kitchen for your lesson. Say three o'clock? Would that work for you?
Nathaniel (to Violet): Yeah. That should work... You want me to come by like -- ALL of those days?
Violet (to Nathaniel): Well, yes. Is there a problem with that? I thought you wanted to learn to cook. I mean, really cook. You do, right?
Nathaniel (to Violet): Oh! I do! It wasn't a complaint. Sorry. I was just surprised. Um, like I said, three should be fine for me.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Good. Now, take these books & read them. Memorize the terms in the first 2 chapters. I may quiz you on them.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Oh. Yeah. OK. I can do that. Thanks. I'll, um, I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks again.
Violet (to Nathaniel): Heehee, save the thanks for later, Nate. You'll probably want to tell me to fuck off before the lessons are over.
Nathaniel (to Violet): That wouldn't be all that weird for me. I think I've told everyone I know to fuck off at least once. Including my boyfriend... I'll see you Wednesday. Go ahead and try and quiz me!
Violet (to Nathaniel): Ooo, cheeky monkey! I'll see you Wednesday.
Nathaniel (to Violet): Heh. Bye. See you then.
A little while later, at the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:
Winchester (to Fiona): Firebug? Are you here?
Fiona: Back away from the door, slowly... (to Winchester) Oh! Fox! You're back among us castaways, are you? That IS you, isn't it?
Winchester (to Fiona): Yes, Fiona, it's me… Though if you'd like to continue frisking me, you could go a little more southerly. ;-)
Fiona (to Winchester): Well, if you WANTED me to relieve you of this little pop gun, I suppose I'll have to oblige you. Did you enjoy your little job for the Magpie? What are the southern colonies like on this side?
Winchester (to Fiona): To be honest, not much different than what they are like on our side. The job was a lot like trying to interrogate the posh. Everyone putting on airs & trying to cover up their skeletons… It was more fun than anything I could have hoped for.
Fiona (to Winchester): Well, I'm more than jealous that you had so much fun. I've been exploring the town. Mostly the bars, to be told. The good doctor has been on the prowl.
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh? That sounds like a bit of a lark. Has the good doctor been successful? Are we going to have someone to interrogate? … And, truth be told, I'm a wee bit jealous. I've been back for half an hour & you haven't tried to jump me. Did you find a new plaything while I was gone, firebug?
Fiona (to Winchester): The Doc is smart enough not to bring someone HERE. And I wanted you to think I was interested in you for more than your body, Fox. I'm not, but I don't want to hurt your wee ego.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh… My ego is just fine. And, I know exactly why you like me.
Fiona (to Winchester): And yet you're still dressed...
Winchester (to Fiona): Allow me to correct that error.
A couple hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Yukiko): Yoyo, you're home! Is Victor here? I've missed you both so much.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Hi Zoe. Hi Risu. You both are looking quite lovely. Your brother is taking a bit of a nap. I was feeling a bit antsy & came to find a book.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Oh well, help yourself. I've got some new ones on the top shelf. I've got homework to do.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Wait… Zoe? Come here for a second.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Why!?! What is it?
Yukiko (to Zoe): Here, hold still… You're going to need some foundation for that or you're going to get a talk.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Shit… Thanks. I um, I saw Colin earlier.
Yukiko (to Zoe): I figured. Come on. I'll fix it up for you. We girls have to stick together. :-)
Zoe (to Yukiko): Thank you, Yoyo.
A few minutes later:
Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): Hey. What are you two doing on in here?
Zoe & Yukiko (to Victor): Nothing.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. I'm helping your sister cover up her hickey.
Zoe (to Victor): Please, don't say anything, Victor.
Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): You know you can trust me to keep my mouth shut. Even if you ARE fighting a loosing battle. Trust me.
Zoe (to Victor): Why do you say that?
Victor (to Zoe): Maybe because I grew up watching Dad try to get away with stuff, or maybe because I've never been able to lie to Mom. You'll see. Or, who knows? Maybe you'll get away with it. Someone has to be sneakier than our mother.
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. Well, I think Yoyo has proven that she's sneakier than Mom… Right?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Alright. Good luck! I'll keep my mouth shut at least. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): O, ye of little faith. (to Zoe) I'll do my best, Zoe.
Zoe (to Victor): Thank you, big brother.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Zoe & Victor): Okay, I think I've got it as good as I can. What do you think?
Victor (to Yukiko & Zoe): It looks pretty good. You'll find out if it's good enough soon enough, I'll bet. ;-P
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. Thanks. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): So, when did you have to hide a hickey from your parents? I don't remember ever giving you one where anyone could see.
Victor (to Yukiko): ... Oh, yes you did!
Yukiko (to Victor): I think you're thinking of a different girlfriend. :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Believe me, it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to get you mixed up with any other girlfriends.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? Do tell.
Victor (to Yukiko): I think you already know that you are the most amazing, wonderful person I've ever met... (to Zoe) Stop making a face!
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): … I am so out of here if you guys are going to be all kissy face at each other.
Yukiko (to Zoe & Victor): Heehee. I was enjoying it.
Victor (to Zoe): No! Zoe! Come back! We've got no one else to horrify with our behavior since Nate moved out. WAIT!
Zoe: What is with this family & it's weird desire to horrify people with public displays of affection!?! It's downright creepy... (to Victor) When you do that sort of thing, you're acting just like your father!
Victor (to Yukiko): Ouch. She cuts me to the quick. (to Zoe) You cut me to the quick, little sister! (to Yukiko) Heh. I think I understand why my parents were always doing this sort of thing when I was growing up. It's rather enjoyable.
Yukiko (to Victor): You are so on your own with this game, my love.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. I suspected as much. I'm starving. Do you want to go get something to eat?
Yukiko (to Victor): I could handle some food. Are we just going to raid the kitchen or can we go somewhere?
Victor (to Yukiko): I was planning on raiding the kitchen, but we could go get something out if you'd like. It's been a while since we've been able to do anything that could be considered a date.
Yukiko (to Victor): I would really like to wander about & get something to eat out in the city, if that's alright with you.
Victor (to Yukiko): That sounds absolutely wonderful. I like all the pirating I've been doing with you, but I do really miss the down time.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Do you think we could take a break from the cargo runs for a few days?
Victor (to Yukiko): I was actually going to ask if you don't mind taking a break for a little while. Between the price someone put on our heads, and that Lieutenant Kingsley, I don't think it would be a bad idea to be scarce for a little while.
Yukiko (to Victor): I would be fine with that. I bet Mars would be happy to let us stay at her place for a little while. No offense but I'd feel more comfortable staying there.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh... Alright. I'm not going to pretend I'm not disappointed that you won't be staying with me, but I understand.
Yukiko (to Victor): No, I was hoping you'd stay with me there.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! Do you think Mars will mind?
Yukiko (to Victor): I don't think so. I love your parents. But, I always feel a little odd staying in your room, like I'm being watched.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Between Mom being a spy, and Dad being a nosy bastard, call me paranoid, but we probably are. :-P Shall we go out and about?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes, let's.
A few minutes later:
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Mom? Dad? Yoyo and I are going out to get something to eat. Do you want us to bring you anything?
Poppy (to Victor): Noodles... And, a papaya... Ooo, and maybe a jar of pickles, honey.
Victor (to Poppy): Noodles, papaya and pickles... Got it. We'll see you later!
Poppy (to Victor): Thank you, honey.
Victor (to Poppy): You're welcome, Mom. We'll see you soon. (to Yukiko) Quick! Let's get out of here before my mom thinks of another crazy thing for us to get. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, I think it's just cravings... Or, it's a test.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm guessing so. Dad said she craved odd things from this side when she was pregnant with me. He kept having to skip over to get them. So, Ms. Sato, where would you like to go? Oh! Heh. I guess we can be Yoyo Kobayashi, and Victor Potter on this side, can't we? Do you want to go visit anyone?
Yukiko (to Victor): I'd like to just be on our own for tonight. Let's just be a normal couple on this side for a bit.
Victor (to Yukiko): I would really like that. How does pizza and ice cream sound?
Yukiko (to Victor): Perfect! I love you, Victor Potter.
Victor (to Yukiko): I love you too, Yukiko Kobayashi. Come on. Let's go stuff ourselves full of awful 21st century food.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Lead the way.
Meanwhile, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey! There you are, sexy! I was wondering where you'd wandered off to. There are crepes in the fridge if you want some. I think they might still taste good. I'm not sure. Heh. I've never made crepes before. ... Are you alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Huh? Oh. I'm sorry, Nate. Crepes sound lovely… I was reading Chess' report from his mission in your hometown, trying to find a way to avoid going to jail...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Oh god... It's that bad, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, it's not terrible but it's not all that good. Apparently, someone is making it look like I'm the one who initially assaulted you three years ago. And, that my wealthy family covered it up... I don't know what to do.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wait... What? WHAT?! That's... That is fucking... How would they... WHY would they DO that? I... Oh god... Who do I need to talk to about this? I know EXACTLY who fucking assaulted me, and it sure as shit wasn't you. I know his first and last fucking name, and his goddamn description. This just... This isn't RIGHT.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know... I've only gotten a couple pages through the report. I'm seriously hoping for a happy ending.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I'll, um, I'll let you finish reading. I'm gonna... I'm gonna grab a cigarette.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): When you're done... If you can handle it. Would you take a look at this with me? Maybe, you'll find something I missed.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Of course. I'll do whatever you need. I just... I'll be done in a minute, OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It'll... It'll be OK. We'll find a way to make it OK. Promise.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know.
Nathaniel: God... what the fuck do I do? What... Jesus.
A few minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): OK... I've smoked as much as I'm gonna. Let's figure this shit out.
