Colin (to Joseph): Hey, um, Joseph? I wanted to say I was sorry for being a dick to you the other day. It was uncalled for. So, uh, sorry.
Joseph (to Colin): Oh... Thanks. You know, your girlfriend's got balls? She fucking yelled at me yesterday for doing what I thought was a favor.
Colin (to Joseph): Heh. That sounds like Zoe. She's kinda badass.
Joseph (to Colin): Yeah, I guess... I gotta go. See ya.
Colin (to Joseph): Bye.
Meanwhile, in Aiden's quarters, at the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: I-I can't do this. I thought I could do this. I can't do this. (to Aiden) Are you awake? I'm sorry. I've gotta go. I can't... Sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): What!?! Wait. Where are you going, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm sorry! I'm really fucking sorry! I thought I could I stay here, but I...I can't do it. I just... I can't!
A few minutes later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, calm down, it's alright. We don't have to stay here, okay? Let me just grab my stuff. We can go anywhere you want.
Nathaniel: Alright. Deep fucking breaths... You're fine. There's no fucking danger here, you are fucking fine... (to Aiden) Yeah. OK. I'm alright. I'm just... I'm alright. I'll wait here.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright, give me 5 minutes. Will you be okay for 5 minutes on your own?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I think I can survive for five minutes.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Okay. I'll be done in a jiffy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Thank you. I'm sorry I'm being such a pain in the ass...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I completely understand... We really should find our own place in town, if we can't stay here, though.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... I'm alright. Honest. You can go get your shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Okay. Be right back.
Fiona: I've spent my life in rioting, Debauch'd my health and strength. I squander'd fast, as pillage came... (to Nathaniel) Nate? That you? Why in hell's blazes are you curled up in a corner, bonnie boy? I thought you would be holed up in Aiden's quarters for days.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): What? I'm... Shit. I'm just kinda freaked out, OK? I... This place. It freaks me out. Go ahead and make whatever smart ass comment you're gonna make.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Mmm. I could. It's plenty tempting, but you look like you might start swinging at me out of sheer nerves if I did. You'd hurt your wee hands, and then the little lord would sulk. Can't say I blame you for being shook up by the place. That was nasty business that happened here.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): ... You know about that, huh?
Fiona (to Nathaniel): The only people who gossip more than old women are spies, lad. It'd be awful to let this auld building get in the way of a nice night for you and your beau. Of course, I vowed never to go back to Aberdeen when I left it. Too many ghosts. I'm not one to talk then, am I? Aiden's headed back this way. Good God. It looks like he's packed his whole life.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Heh. He likes to be prepared.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Fiona): I hope you two aren't talking about me. Nate, please don't believe a word she says, she's heavily prone to exaggeration.
Fiona (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Hmm. I am at that. Must have been some other bloke that stood down some CLANNG officer's mad dog construct, before shooting it between the eyes and keeping the lot of us from getting mauled. My mistake.
Aiden (to Fiona & Nathaniel): ... Yes, must have been.
Fiona (to Aiden): Pity. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Whoever it was that did that was DAMNED impressive. ;-) Have a good day, boys!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Good day to you as well, Fiona.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Heh. Yeah. Later. (to Aiden) Did you really shoot a dog in the head?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It wasn't really a dog, it was a construct... And yes, I did. It had already attacked one member of my team. Nearly took his leg off. And, it was getting ready to charge at the rest of us. Anyone would have done it in my place.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wow. That's... That's pretty fucking impressive. And I don't think anyone would have done it. I think most people would have shit their pants and run the other way. Most people are pretty fucking cowardly when it comes down to it. Case in fucking point...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You are not a bloody coward, Nate! You are one of the strongest people I know. You have gone through so much & you're still standing. I think it takes a lot of courage & strength of character to put your life together like you've done. So what, if this stupid building gives you pause! Your ex died here & not too long ago. I think you're allowed to be shaken for a bit. I think I'd be more concerned if you weren't torn up about it… I apologize for my outburst.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thank you! Oh God! Thank... Thank you. I just feel so fucking stupid... Thank you. And, I gotta say, you are really fucking hot when you're all riled up.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... I'm sure I could get riled up about something else, if that's the case. Like, I don't know, finding a bloody place to stay or an occupation... Seriously, what am I going to put on my bloody resumé? Former spy? Shiftless layabout? Lord? I can't even drive an automobile.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, my aunt and uncle could probably help you out with that a bit. I mean, they found me a job, and taught me to drive. Uh, kinda. Heh. I mean, what was on my resumé? Professional internet flirter? Petty criminal? :-P I kinda like shiftless layabout...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Come here, you internet flirting petty criminal.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No problem. I love you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): And, I love you... Now, where do we go? I don't think we can live on this corner.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? You've never slept on a park bench? It is... It's fucking awful. I can't even lie about that. Um, I guess we can go to my aunt and uncle's for today. I don't know about you, but I am fucking exhausted...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That sounds like a plan.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Alright. If you're *sure* you don't wanna try a park bench... Come on.
A short time later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel: Um, hello? Anyone home?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Hi honey. Care for some lunch? I've made Raspberry Cheese Blintzes.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh, no thank you. I'm not hungry right now. Um, is it OK if Aiden stays with me for a bit? I, um, I kinda had a panic attack earlier. At the Inn... I couldn't really handle being in there and he...
Poppy (to Nathaniel): He what? Packed himself up without any thought as to where to go next?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Um, yeah. I think he wanted to make sure I was OK.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heehee… That's not like him, at all, honey. Well, when you put it like that, honey, I'd hate to put him out on the street. You may want to move into Victor's room then. I think we'd all be grateful for that. :-P Well, except for Victor that is. Who will no doubt need to buy some new sheets on his next visit.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh... Um, heh. Yeah. Probably. Thanks.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): You're welcome, honey.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. My aunt said we can stay in Victor's room, so you don't have to sleep on the couch and dislocate your shoulder again.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That was very nice of her. I shall endeavor to find a place to live as quickly as possible. I wouldn't want her to change her mind & rescind the offer of hospitality too quickly.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): "Rescind the offer of hospitality"? You kiss your momma with that mouth? Heh. Sorry. I think I'm a little delirious.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? Did I keep you up too late last night? I'm sorry. Perhaps, we should take a nap.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, that's part of the problem. Course, you don't hear me complaining about it, do you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I should hope not. Because if I remember correctly, I was the one suggesting we go to sleep three or four times. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): And yet you didn't.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, you ARE very distracting.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah? Heh. I hope you mean that in a good way. Or do you say that to all the skinny little guys you drag into your bed?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I say that to all of them... Which is just you. :-P
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): I was hoping you'd find your way back to bed, lover. What did our darling nephew want?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. He wanted to know if it was alright if Aiden stayed over for a little while, honey. He got a little freaked at the inn. I said it was fine and, had them move into Victor's room. No sense in trying to keep up appearances at this point.
Vincent (to Poppy): And Aiden followed him over here like a lost puppy? Hee hee. Well, well. That boy continues to surprise me.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think we're going to need a bigger place, honey. With this gaggle of children taking over the place.
Vincent (to Poppy): I say we let the monkeys take the palace. You and I will run away together.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, as lovely & as tempting as that sounds, honey. I'm not sure that would be fair to the children. It would be like Lord of the Flies in here in no time. Plus, I'm not sure how much traveling I'll be doing for a bit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh no? Are you feeling alright, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey, I'm just fine. It's just-- well, this doesn't get any easier , does it? You're going to be a father... again. I've double & triple-checked just to be sure before I told you. Feel free to faint.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're... you're PREGNANT? Oh... Oh good heavens! Ha ha ha! Oh, hun. Come here, gorgeous thing.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're not upset, lover? Hari thinks it must have happened on your last visit to the bunker. Though, you know how traveling through the portals can upset the timing of that sort of thing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. THAT visit to the bunker. Hee hee. I'm not upset, hun. In the past year and a half, we've taken in two very distressed kids, one who had the potential makings of a serial killer, and one who flinched whenever someone walked in a room. They are both doing amazingly, distressingly well. And you, YOU, took down the most feared terrorist group in Britannia with a plan that used the Russian royal family, a French pirate and a small group of disgraced spies. You wonderful, amazing creature. A baby doesn't scare me. You'll forgive me if I feel a little invincible right now.
Poppy (to Vincent): You are a terrifically, wonderful man & I'm so very lucky to have you in my life, lover. We have such a good little family.
Several hours later:
Poppy (to Zoe, Nathaniel & Aiden): Kids, can you please join us in the living room? There's something Vincent & I need to tell you. Aiden, you can come, too... If you'd like. You're practically family.
Zoe: Damn it. (to Poppy) I'll be right there, mom!
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Vincent): What's up? is everything OK?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Yes, honey. It's peachy with a side of keen. (to Vincent) Would you like to tell them, lover?
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Tell us what?
Aiden (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh? Is this abou--
Poppy): Hush you!
Vincent (to Aiden): Hush! (to Zoe & Nathaniel) It looks like we're having a baby, kiddos.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): What!?! Like right now!?!
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. I would imagine it's more like 5 or so months, hun. You aren't excited?
Zoe (to Vincent): Yeah, I'm excited. I've never been a big sister before... I mean from scratch. God. Where are we going to put a baby? Is it a girl or a boy? Can I help name it? Have you told Victor yet?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Did you know about this?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, but I suspected.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Fucking spies... (to Poppy, Vincent & Zoe) Um, now might be a good time to mention this... But, um, Aiden and I were gonna move in together since he's gonna be on this side a while.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, we're bloody annoying, aren't we? :-p
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Aiden): What!?! No! You can't! We just got the family almost back together plus extras.
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, calm down. This isn't the end of the world. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Have you two found a place, yet?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Plus extras? Don't worry, Shortie. It's not like you're gonna stop seeing me.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, you say that now...
Aiden (to Poppy): No, but we made a couple calls today. Hopefully, by tomorrow we will have an idea. (to Zoe) I promise, Miss Zoe. That Nate is not going to disappear into the aether.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Besides, who else is gonna put up with me?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): That's true. You are kinda fucking annoying. :-p (to Poppy & Vincent) I'm very happy for you guys... About the baby. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) And for you guys getting a place together.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. You say that now. Just wait until you're on diaper duty, big sister. ;-)
Zoe (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Take me with you... Please?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Sorry. You're on your own.
Poppy (to Vincent, Zoe, Nathaniel & Aiden): If you all will excuse me. I'm going to get some sleep. It's been a long day.
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh yes of course. Good night, mom. I love you... And you too, whatever you are.
Aiden (to Poppy): Sleep well, Miss Poppy.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. I'm off too. Good night, sweetie. Give me a hug. (to Nathaniel) You too, sourpuss. (to Aiden) Good night, Aiden.
Zoe (to Vincent): Good night, dad.
Aiden (to Vincent): Good night, captain. And congratulations!
Vincent (to Aiden): Thank you. Let me know if you two need any help with the apartment. (to Zoe & Nathaniel) Sleep sweet, kids!
Aiden (to Vincent): Thank you, we will.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Aiden): I guess that's my cue to go to bed, too. Sleep sweet & remember some of us have school in the morning.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Night.
Aiden (to Zoe): Good night, Miss Zoe. (to Nathaniel) And then, there were two.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You said that to me at one point the first night we met, you know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Did I? I was probably hoping you'd kiss me again.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. So that's why you were so eager to find out if I made a habit of kissing strange men in alleyways, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I thought it was a very reasonable question, at the time. Besides, I'm quite happy with the results of that kiss... You are the best thing that's happened to me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... I don't know what do say to that. I know for a fact that you're the best damn thing that's ever happened to me. Come on. Let's head to bed, and I'll tell you about all the strange men I've kissed in back alleys. All one of them.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I can hardly wait.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's an interesting story. There was this strange guy who wanted me to punch him. He was pretty fucking hot, though.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): A hot strange man in an alley, huh? I can see why you didn't punch him. ;-p Which I'm quite grateful of, by the way.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Me too. Even if it was still an awful fucking kiss. The second one was better, and the third one was better than that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here, let's see if we can blow all those other kisses away.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): With fucking pleasure.
