Yukiko (to Percy): Percy? Why on earth are you skulking about the airship at this hour? Why aren't you in West Piedmont?
Percy (to Yukiko): Because, honey, I've been given the gloriously boring task of staying here & waiting for word about the pardon for the spies.
Yukiko (to Percy): Oh? Do you really think it's going to happen? I mean, doesn't everyone think they-- we're dead?
Percy (to Yukiko): Yes, honey, but it can be done posthumously & then, they can all return one by one, if they like. And, you can take back your name, rather than to continue to use your alias.
Yukiko (to Percy): Oh... I've kind of liked being Yukio Sato, airship mechanic.
Percy (to Yukiko): Really, honey? Or is it simply because you like the captain? … That's quite a nice piece of jewelry you've got there, by the way... It looks very familiar.
Yukiko (to Percy): It was a gift from Victor... I really need to get this coil replaced, if you'll excuse me. Duty calls.
Percy (to Yukiko): Fine, honey... Have fun with your coil!
A moment later:
Percy (to Victor): Victor Harrison Potter... I'm a simply shocked! What will your poor sainted mother say about your behavior? I saw the ring on Yoyo's finger... Her left ring finger to be exact. That was Nana Longfellow's ring. No offense, honey, but are you insane?What's going on?
Victor (to Percy): Am I... What?
Percy (to Victor): Insane? Touched in the head? Loony? Cuckoo for cocoa puffs? I think Yoyo is a sweet girl, honey. But you are both very, very young & neither of you have really seen who else is out there to be making this kind of long term commitment. It just seems like a very impetuous decision, honey.
Victor (to Percy): ... I'm very aware of how young we are, Percy. I'm 16 and this is the first time I've ever been on my own, isn't it? Things could change. I know that too. But we had to buy Yoyo's freedom from her family. Her very powerful, well-connected family headed up by her brothers who REALLY don't like us very much. It wouldn't do to have us together without there being some kind of tangible commitment. And more than that, I love Yoyo very much, and want her to know that I'm serious when I say that I want her to be a part of my family. If she wants to. Besides, we're PIRATES, Percy. We can count ourselves lucky if we live long enough to become bored with one another. I appreciate your concern, but I have thought about this.
Percy (to Victor): Don't get me wrong, honey, I am very happy for you both, honest, it's just that I worry.
Victor (to Percy): I know. Thank you. For the record, my mother knows my mind on this. Who do you think told me where I could find that ring?
Percy (to Victor): Heh. She's getting soft in her old age. The only other time she was that sappy was-- Oh... um, nevermind. I should really head back to the Parliament building. I'm sorry for snapping at you. And, congratulations.
Victor (to Percy): Goodbye, Percy.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, could you please bring me a glass of ginger ale & saltines?
Vincent (to Poppy): There's tea, ginger ale and a packet of crackers on the bed stand waiting for you, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey, you're amazing. I don't remember feeling this terrible with Victor... but, it was forever ago.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. You were precisely this bad with Victor, lover. I'm going to go see if the kids want breakfast. Just take it easy.
Poppy (to Vincent): I will, thank you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, here's a kiss for you, and one for our unknown passenger.
A moment later:
Vincent (to Nathaniel, Aiden & Zoe): Good morning, brood of mine. Is anyone hungry?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): No thanks. Zoe is trying to teach Aiden how to make something other than poached eggs.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Vincent): I believe the phrase 'hopeless cause' has been uttered more than once.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Vincent): Ha ha ha! Oh. Heh. Sorry... (to Aiden) Did Zoe finally chase you out of the kitchen?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Vincent): Yes, I believe her exact words were 'Those eggs are a crime against humanity & will probably kill someone. You & Nate are going to need to eat out a lot.' I think I'd like to go back to shootouts with CLANNG, I think they may be a bit more forgiving than that girl. :-p
Vincent (to Aiden): Hee hee. When it comes to food? They might be at that. Don't be too discouraged, Aiden. You can't be good at everything. It would be a statistical anomaly. (to Zoe) Zoe, sweetie. Have you been abusing our house guests with the kitchen implements?
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Um, maybe. You should see what he did to those poor defenseless eggs, dad. They never stood a chance.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Zoe Meriwether: Egg Avenger. Do you want me to finish that up, hun? You're going to be late for school.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh yeah, thanks! I should go. Love you. Bye!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Are going to keep grinning at me like that for the rest of the day, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I might.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You are very amusing.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm a regular fucking comedian. It's what you love about me. What can I say? You're sexy when you're flustered. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well then, I'm surprised you can keep your hands off of me because I'm extremely flustered. Who knew cooking could be so difficult or that Zoe would be so tyrannical in the kitchen?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I tried to warn you, didn't I?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, you did. I have to admit that I thought you were exaggerating. I shall know better next time.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. C'mere. Why'd you wanna make breakfast so badly this morning anyway?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I just thought that I shouldn't have to rely on other people to prepare meals for me. Especially, living on this sid-- here. It's the 21st century & I'd like to fit in... I tried to fill out a job application yesterday & it was like deciphering hieroglyphics. What on earth is an OS or an ISP? It made me feel useless & completely out of my depth. I've never felt like that before.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You might be outta your depth, but you sure as hell aren't useless. This is all scary as fuck to me too, you know. I mean,I didn't think I'd ever be getting an apartment, or holding down like a regular job or any of it. I figured the best I could hope for was a sugar daddy who liked young and crazy. I kinda assumed it was just matter of time before I got stuck in an institution and didn't come back out. Heh. But I'm not. And the reason I'm not having a shit fit right about now is cause I know I'm doing this terrifying ass shit with you. You're too fucking smart not to figure it out. We'll be fine.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thank you, Nate. I'm glad I'm doing this with you, too... So, am I your sugar daddy? ;-p
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? Fuck no! I'm gonna help pay rent and groceries and shit! I don't expect you're gonna be paying for everything.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I was just teasing. You're damn sexy when you're indignant.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Alright then. I just didn't want you thinking... I'm not looking for a free ride. I'm gonna pull my own weight and shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That's one of the reasons I wanted to find a job. I didn't want you thinking that I was a lazy shiftless layabout, who expected you to toil away while I sat around eating bon-bons.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I cannot imagine you doing that at all. Would there be a chaise lounge?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Would you like there to be one?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Maybe. But only if you do it shirtless in a smoking jacket and slippers.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I am sure that could be arranged. Did you see any places you wanted to check out today?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I've got a list right here. These ones aren't too far from my work.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Okay, I'll call & set up appointments to go check them out.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Alright. Sounds good. You wanna walk me to work?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I would be delighted.
A short time later, in front of Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. We walked too fast, I guess. We're here, already. I'll see you after work. Enjoy your bonbons or whatever it is you shiftless layabouts do when the rest of us poor slobs work.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come here & let me embarrass you in front of your co-workers. :-p
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You say that like I haven't embarrassed myself in front of... ... oh wow. Heh. That's one hell of a way to get embarrassed.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, that's the one good thing about being a shiftless layabout, plenty of time to practice my "moves". :-p
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! Well, consider them well practiced. I'll see you after work.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): See you then.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Later. I love you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, too.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to River): What?
River (to Nathaniel): You two are fucking adorable.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah. I've heard that. Smirk about it some more.
River (to Nathaniel): Heh. Don't worry, I will. :-p
Nathaniel (to River): Just... Blow me, River.
River (to Nathaniel): Geez, sorry... Why so fucking touchy?
Nathaniel (to River): Sorry... I'm just a little embarrassed.
River (to Nathaniel): You've got a boyfriend that is obviously crazy about you. I think you'll survive. We've got cookies to bake.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah. You're right. Sorry. I'll get the ginger cookies started.
River (to Nathaniel): Thanks.
An hour or so later, at the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:
Ariadne: Sweet, darling coffeemaker, I love you... Please, just make at least one decent cup of coffee or I will toss you out the window.
A moment later:
Fiona (to Ariadne): Whoops! You almost hit me with that contraption! Are we throwing kitchen equipment? Grab me that blasted electric kettle! I swear Satan himself made that beast.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Oops! Sorry. This is the worst coffeemaker in the history of coffeemakers... Heh. I didn't expect to see you for a day or so. I'm surprised you're not still holed up with the Pretty Boy.
Fiona (to Ariadne): So I CAN'T throw the kettle? Blast! Heh. Poor auld Chess's spirit was willing but the flesh was exhausted and bruised. I'm afraid I wore him out a wee bit. Not that he didn't give it his all for queen and country. ;-P
Ariadne (to Fiona): Oh... So, do you need help to bury the body?
Fiona (to Ariadne): I didn't kill him. Least I don't think so. He was breathing when I left him. Hope he still is. Wouldn't do if I killed another one.
Ariadne (to Fiona): You're joking, right?
Fiona (to Ariadne): Heart attack. He wasn't as fit as he looked, I suppose.
Ariadne (to Fiona): You're totes going to make me go check on him, aren't you? ... This is going to be so embarrassing.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Calm down, lass. I'm just kidding. I've never killed anyone with the raw power of my fair faighean.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Dude! You really had me going for a minute there.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Although, I have to admit to being a bit proud that you thought I might actually be able to fuck a bloke to death.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Well, my room is across the hall from yours. Trust me, I had good reason to believe that might be the case... You know, from the noises. :-p
Fiona (to Ariadne): Good God, We were that loud, were we? Heh. Sorry, Doc. It's been a while.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Heh... I'm right there with you. I'm glad you had fun. I've gotta go find some coffee.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Don't blame you, will-o'-the-wisp. Good luck on your quest!
Meanwhile, on the Wicked Sister, New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Victor): Wow! I was not expecting you to be awake after all the excitement last night. I came to bring you a surprise breakfast basket. Surprise!
Victor (to Persephone): Ooo! You know I can't be mad at you for your snarkery when you come bearing food. Thank you! I am starving. Yoyo wanted to get an early start on replacing one of the coils. The Sister's been a little finicky lately.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh? She's really taken to this whole being an airship mechanic thing, hasn't she? Care to take me on a tour, Captain Potter? I still can't believe you have your own bloody ship. It's so moo!
Victor (to Persephone): It's a bit surreal, isn't it? Come on. I'll give you the GRAND TOUR. How are things going for you with the inn? You were forever complaining how much you hate it, but you seem to be doing very well.
Persephone (to Victor): I do hate it more than anything, but my family needs me & I realized that it was time to stop acting like a selfish, spoiled brat. I'm young & there is plenty of time for me to go off and do my own thing. Mam's even mentioned that once the baby is sleeping a bit better, I could go off to school or get a job somewhere, if I wanted to. I think the baby has softened her brain, but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth... I'd ask if you'd let me crew with you, but I think three would be a crowd... Unless, you could use me?
Victor (to Persephone): Seph! That is EXCELLENT news! Would you want to crew with me? I thought you'd jump at the chance to go to university. Honestly, I could probably use your help. Most of the time everything feels natural enough, but occasionally, I realize this is my ship, and I'm responsible for making sure Yoyo and I stay safe, and the cargo gets where it's needed most. And then I wonder what the hell I'm doing. Heh.
Persephone (to Victor): Well, if you come back to the inn in a month or so, I should be free to crew for you... Of course, you could probably use another two crewmembers on a ship this size, but I'd have no idea who you'd ask... or trust.
Victor (to Persephone): Don't I know it? It's alright. We can make due. Heh. Poor Mr. Turner is going to be utterly heartbroken when you leave.
Persephone (to Victor): Are you kidding me? He'll be running the kitchen by then. :-P Speaking of which, I should get back there. Give my love to Yoyo. I'll see you soon, cousin o' mine.
Yukiko (to Persephone & Victor): Going already, Seph?
Persephone (to Victor & Yukiko): Sorry. Duty calls! I've got to get to the market to pick up my order from the butcher.
Victor (to Yukiko): And she's afraid Charles will stage a kitchen coup d'état and change the whole menu while she's gone. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee... It's hard to believe that is the same girl who stole an airship & was trying to get Aiden to run away with her.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. It doesn't surprise me. Seph acted like a selfish little twit, but she wasn't really. She can be one of the sweetest and most fiercely loyal people I know. But, she absolutely loathes someone telling her what she should do and how she should act. She was exactly as wild as her parents told her she should be responsible.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... I think I can honestly say we all have a bit of that... Oh. And, I've got the coil replaced & I regreased the engine while I was down there. So, we should be good to go.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I guess we do. At least we come by it honestly. We should give our regards to my aunt and uncle while we're here, and... then I think we should go see my parents.
Yukiko (to Victor): Sounds like a plan, Captain Potter. :-)
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh... You know every time you say that, I'm still looking for my dad.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? Would you prefer I call you Captain Harrison, instead?
Victor (to Yukiko): Actually, it's not a bad idea. Until we figure out who's got a price on us and why, it might be safer not to be a Potter.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well then, Captain Harrison it is. Let's go make our rounds & go see your parents.
Victor (to Yukiko): Whoo boy. Yes, ma'am.
A few hours later:
Victor (to Yukiko): So... Ready to go visit my mom and dad?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes, I think so.
Victor (to Yukiko): Nothing to be worried about right? Right! This is a happy occasion!
Yukiko (to Victor): I know, watashi no ai. And, I'm very happy... Still doesn't mean I'm not nervous.
Victor (to Yukiko): Me too. Alright, let's get going.
Yukiko (to Victor): Okay, let's.
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Big brother! Yoyo! I'm so happy you're back. We've all missed you!
Victor (to Zoe): Oof! We missed you too. Easy. Your squirrel is in my pocket.
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Thank you! (to Risu) Come here, Risu, you sweet little thing! Awww, you missed me. (to Victor) Mom & Dad are in the kitchen. You just missed dinner, but there's leftovers if you're hungry.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Heehee, it's good to see you too, Zoe. Have you grown since we were last here?
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh? Have I? That would be awesome.
Victor (to Zoe): Actually, I think Yoyo's right. You DO seem a little taller.
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh my god, I've gotta go measure myself!
Yukiko: Heehee.
Victor (to Yukiko): I think we just made her night. So. Ready?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes, let's go see your folks... I love you.
Victor (to Yukiko): I love you too.
A minute later, in the kitchen:
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Mom? Dad? We're home!
Poppy (to Victor & Yukiko): I'm so happy to see you, sweeties. Everything okay?
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Everything is fine. We just... We have some news.
Poppy (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh? We have some news as well, honey.
Vincent (to Yukiko, Poppy & Victor): Oh good God. Don't tell me Yoyo is pregnant. What IS it with this family and synchronicity?
Yukiko (to Poppy & Vincent): What!?! No, I'm not pregnant. I am so not ready for that.
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): WHAT?! No! No one's pregnant.
Vincent (to Yukiko, Poppy & Victor): Well, I wouldn't say no one's pregnant.
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Yoyo and I got engaged last night. We... wait. Who is pregnant?
Poppy (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh, congratulations, honey! I thought I recognized the ring.
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Aren't you going to, I don't know, freak out or lecture us about us being too young?
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, would it make a difference? You & I had this talk already.
Victor (to Poppy): I know, but Dad and I didn't.
Vincent (to Victor, Poppy & Yukiko): Heh. Well, if you REALLY would like a lecture, I could arrange one... You've both had to deal with some very big, scary adult things lately. Including running cargo in the Sister for your family's benefit. It wouldn't be fair not to treat you like the capable, intelligent young people that you clearly are. I just hope it's going to be a LONG engagement, yes? Oh! I'm getting teary. (to Yukiko) Welcome to the family, Yoyo.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Thank you! And, we are planning on having a very long engagement… (to Poppy & Vincent) Are you two expecting? Or is it someone more shocking?
Vincent (to Yukiko & Victor): Good to hear. And yes, it looks like there's going to be another trouble maker on the way.
Yukiko (to Vincent & Poppy): Well, congratulations to you both!
Poppy (to Yukiko): Thank you, honey.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh my GOD! Mom, you're pregnant! Wow! Holy crap, where are we gonna put a baby?
Poppy (to Victor): In Nate's room for now. He & Aiden are getting a place of their own soon.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): They ARE? Holy shit! This family doesn't do anything half-arsed, does it?
Vincent (to Victor): Kiddo, we wouldn't know how to do something half-assed if we tried.
Poppy (to Victor): That's for sure, honey. (to Yukiko & Victor) If you're hungry, there's leftovers in the fridge. I'm going to go lay back down.
Yukiko (to Poppy & Vincent): Food would be lovely.
Vincent (to Yukiko & Victor): Help yourselves. I'll be back down in a moment.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Thank you. (to Victor) Wow, you're going to be a big brother again. How you holding up?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm fine. I kinda figured Mom wanted another baby. She kept talking about it before Nate and Zoe came to stay. How are you? That went really quite well, actually. Does it make me a suspicious bastard if I think it might be a trap? :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): No, because I was wondering what the catch was. I'm just glad it went well.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. At least we're suspicious bastards together. I'm glad it went well too.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. You're cute when you're being a suspicious bastard.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm glad you think I'm cute.
