Yukiko (to Victor): Good morning… I've made some tea. I wasn't sure if you ate breakfast or not. I can make us some eggs & bacon, if you like.
Victor (to Yukiko): Hey. Good morning. Heh. I can always eat.
Yukiko (to Victor): Alright, breakfast it is, then… I uh, hope you slept alright. I'm not used to sharing a bed.
Victor (to Yukiko): No, it was fine. More than fine, actually... Thank you for the offer of breakfast, but I should probably get home soon. I hate to go, but I left Zoe alone all night, and we do live in the Tombs...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh yes, of course… I shouldn't monopolize your time.
Victor (to Yukiko): I would LOVE to let you monopolize my time, but I want to check in on my... Heh. I've only known her a week, and I'm already treating her like my little sister. Do you think I could see you again?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh. You want to see me again? I was worried that this was just a one night thing. I'd love to see you… Do you think you could find your way back here? I'm usually here in the evenings.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I can, and more than that I will. Thank you, for a lovely evening.
Yukiko (to Victor): I look forward to seeing you again.
A few minutes later:
Delia: My, my, my.. that is certainly a sight! (to Yukiko) Oh Yuki! Open the door and give your bad influence Aunty Delia a hug! Or… some booze I'm not picky.
Yukiko (to Delia): Delia! When did you get back into town? I've got some tea made… I can add something extra to it.
Delia (to Yukiko): We pulled into port last night. I WAS coming to give you this stunning Jade necklace I picked up on the last run as a consolation for your impending nuptials. But now I'm wondering, if that is indeed happening.
Yukiko (to Delia): Oh? And, why would you think that it wasn't happening? You know how much I LOVE being the dutiful daughter.
Delia (to Yukiko): Oh yes. You absolutely love doing as you're told and in no way resent it. I was merely asking as the fellow I spied leaving your residence looked an awful lot like my dearly departed friends son and in no way like the fat little toad your parents picked. But... I AM getting older. Perhaps my eyes are going.
Yukiko (to Delia): Oh… Well, there's no use hiding it. Yes, that was Victor. I asked him to stay the night. I might possibly be trying to sabotage my upcoming nuptials. I know it's a little unorthodox, but I'm getting desperate to get out of the stupid thing.
Delia (to Yukiko): You know you'll get no complaints from me on that end. What with my radical colonist ideals, as your mother puts it. Anything you need me to do or say or not do or say as the case may be?
Yukiko (to Delia): Heh… I may need to take a trip to get away from the wrath of my mother. Any room on that barge you work on?
Delia (to Yukiko): For you, always. You can bunk with me if you like or I can find you room elsewhere as needed. I'm sure I can harass one of mates into a hammock in the hold for a little while.
Yukiko (to Delia): Heh. Good to know. So, tell me about what you've been doing since you last made port? Or would you like a shower & some sleep first? I've got clean sheets in the guest room.
Delia (to Yukiko): Oh, the usual raids. Kicking CLANNG soundly in the teeth. Although we did do some legitimate treasure hunting, which is where I got the necklace. Who knew buried treasure was actually a thing?
Yukiko (to Delia): Heehee. It's nice to have you back in town. I've missed you.
Delia (to Yukiko): Aww, that's sweet, love. I miss you too. You know I'd have happily taken you out with us years ago if your parents would have allowed it. I've simply been waiting for you to finally not care about what your parents thought. Apparently it takes a Potter to make that happen which surprises absolutely no one that has met a Potter.
Yukiko (to Delia): Heehee. Mother was right, you westerners are all such bad influences on me. :-P
Delia (to Yukiko): I know, right? What with us thinking women can choose for themselves and marry who they like. I wouldn't listen to me if I were you. You might start actually having independant thought. The horror, Yuki. The HORROR!
Yukiko (to Delia): Heehee. Drink your tea & whiskey... Thank you for the necklace. It's very lovely.
Delia (to Yukiko): You're welcome. I figured you at least deserved something nice if you were going to go through with the marriage. Now it can at least be something nice for no other reason than I love you. And, I think I will take you up on that shower and bed.
Yukiko (to Delia): I love you, too, Aunty. You know the way to the guest room, I'll grab you some fresh towels.
Meanwhile, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Please raise your arms and turn around slowly. I'd hate to get blood on my nice clean floor.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh Lifting my arms I... Yeah. That's a can do, but I'm afraid standing up is a bit of a challenge at the moment..
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Oh. You're that CLANNG operative that came home with Master Aiden. Why are you drinking so early in the morning, dear?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Not early, ma'am. Still. Sorry. I'll replace the wine... Unless it was super expensive, in which case I'll buy a cheap ass bottle, and trust you're too British to complain.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): No one is that British, dear. Would you like a blanket? Or a shirt? It's a bit chilly in here to be quite that unclothed.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Huh? Oh. Yeah. Guess so. I'm not making you uncomfortable, am I?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. It's not like I've never seen a half-naked man before, dear. Good heavens... What happened to your back?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Huh? Oh. The fresh shit'd be from Director Carver. That's fucking... That's fucking nothing. You should see... Christ...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Alright, dear. Up you go. Let's get you someplace you can lay down. Do you think you can manage the stairs?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh Jesus... No.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly & Nathaniel): Do you need some assistance?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No, no, nooooo. I'm just... Oh. Shit. I'm not fine.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I'm afraid your young guest has been drinking a bit too much, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): To the guest room, Mrs. Esterly? (to Nathaniel) I'm picking you up. Don't struggle.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Wherever he can lay down, dear. I'm going to go get breakfast started.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You don't have to fucking... Oh! Shit. You... You don't have to do that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Clearly, I do, Nate. You can't make it up the stairs on your own… I know this is the pot calling the kettle black, but why were you down there drinking so early?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...How bout you take advantage of having a nearly naked dude in your arms, instead?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … How about you tell me what has you so upset, first?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... What makes you think I'm upset?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So, it's completely normal for you to drain a bottle of wine first thing in the morning? My mistake. I apologize for the assumption. I'll just leave you to it then.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. It is. Sometimes. ...It's something Zoe asked me yesterday, about my parents sending me to this...this camp. I know that I was there... I mean, I know it, but I can't remember it. And I know my parents sent me there after they found out I was gay, but I... I can't remember HOW they found out. And I keep getting these flashes of the other timeline... It's alright. If those flashes are any indication, I'm fine with not remembering any of that shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry... Here. Let me get some salve for those marks. If you don't take care of them, they'll look like the other ones. I wish there was something I could say to make you relax about all of this, but honestly I have no idea what to say.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um, you...you don't have to do that, you know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course, I know… But, I want to, for some reason. Sit down. This might sting a little bit.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, thanks.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You're very welcome… You're probably going to want to sleep for a bit. I'll have Mrs. Esterly make us some lunch. I'll come up and wake you when it's ready.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. I guess I'll try to get some sleep, then... Thanks. Why the fuck are you being so nice to me?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I don't generally find it polite to be rude to the person I just had sex with two days in a row. If you'd rather I kick you out on your ear to recuperate & wander alone, I can… But, then Mrs. Esterly would give me a box on the ears. So, think of it as simply self-preservation if it makes you feel better.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, that I can wrap my head around. You could have also said cause of my fine, fine ass. I'd have understood that too.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It is quite a fine ass… Heh. Get some rest.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yes, sir, Lord Wilkes.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly? Could you please make up some lunch for an hour or so from now? Nate's going to sleep it off for a bit. He'll probably be hungry by then.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): It would be my pleasure, dear. So, that's your "Nate," is it? Hee hee. That certainly explains some things.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Does it?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. I should say so. You don't normally make a habit of bringing home CLANNG agents, and keeping them in the guest room.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I don't know what it is about him, but I don't like the idea of him being away from me or getting hurt… It's because of what Miss Zoe said, I'm sure of it. It's making me behave irrationally… I should go check in at work. Please, see that he's gone when I get back.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Absolutely not.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, I know that I have let you get away with certainly liberties over the years, but I am still your employer. Please, do as I ask.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I am more than willing to do as you ask when you're making sense, but I'm not about to kick an injured young man out into the streets just because you're embarrassed and confused. If you really want him to leave, ask him yourself! Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I have some lunch to prepare.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): But...
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Do not "but," at me, Master Aiden!
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Fine… I'll be back in an hour.
Mrs. Esterly: Honestly. That man can be so pigheaded sometimes. (to Aiden) I will see you then.
A short time later, at the docks; New London, Britannia:
Kian O'Malley (to Victor & Zoe): Hey Victor! Who's this bhean álainn óg?
Zoe (to Kian): What did you just call me!?!
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Calm down. He called you beautiful. (to Kian) Hi, Kian. This is my sister.
Zoe (to Victor & Kian): Oh… My apologies.
Kian (to Victor): Heh. Your sister, really? Then, I'll try to behave… So, I was coming to offer you some work on the Bride for the next week. We're down a person, while Delia is on leave visiting her "niece". It's just a short run to Aberdeen & back. Pays pretty good.
Victor (to Kian): Who's captaining her these days? Last time Liam was running the ship, he tried to maroon me in York.
Kian (to Victor): Heh… You're looking at the new captain of Neptune's Bride. Uncle Liam got called home, Gram's not doing so good. She's not long for this world. Hell, Aunty Miranda is even heading home.
Victor (to Kian): Oh. Congratulations on the promotion. I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. Honestly, I always thought she was a bit too evil to die. :-P (to Zoe) Would you be alright on your own for a few days?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh yeah, probably… How much trouble could I really get into on my own? :-P
Kian (to Victor): Heh… That's always been my opinion, as well. Anyway, if you're interested. Be back here tomorrow, ok?
Victor (to Kian): Yeah. Sure. Thanks, Kian. (to Zoe) Really? Oh God... There are SO many ways. Heh. If you don't want me to go, you could just say so.
Zoe (to Victor): I don't mind you going. Besides, we need to eat.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. That we do. Are you feeling alright? You've been awfully quiet today.
Zoe (to Victor): Have I? I'm sorry… It's just that going to see Colin was a big mistake. I miss my old life & I miss my family. Hell, I even miss school. And, what if I can't figure out how to fix this & I'm stuck here? We're all stuck here. This isn't how it's supposed to be
Victor (to Zoe): I... Shit. I wish I knew what to tell you. I know this isn't the same as what you're used to, and it isn't easy, but I'm glad you showed up, anyway. It's been...
Zoe (to Victor): Awww, come here, big brother. I'm glad I found you, too. It's easier dealing with all of this because I have you.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh! Heh. You realize that me believing you probably means I'm fucking crazy, right? :-P So, you'll be alright for a couple of days without me? I mean, the Tombs can be kinda...Actually, they can be totes dangerous.
Zoe (to Victor): Well, we need money or we don't eat, so you need to work. I'll figure out something. Would you prefer I stay with someone?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah. I know it's silly, but being on your own can be awful. I'll bet Aunt Molly and Uncle Bernard would let you stay. You'll have to work at the Inn, but they're good people.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, I can probably handle that.
Victor (to Zoe): At the very least, it will keep you fed until I get back. Come on. Let's see about getting you set up.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay… Heh. You're a good big brother.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh! Um, thank you. I like to think I would have been...
Zoe (to Victor): Oh! With all my moping & feeling sorry for myself, I totes forgot to ask how your date went last night… So, how was it?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. It, uh, it went very well. She's amazing...
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. That's all you're going to say?
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Heh. What? Are you hoping for grisly details? ... Apparently, she's looking to get out of her arranged marriage.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh? And no, I don't want the actual details… Just whether or not there are details & are you going to see her again?
Victor (to Zoe): You sneaky little bastard! I should have known better than to fall for that. :-P Heh. I'd LIKE to see her again.
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, I learned from the best. I'm glad you two hit it off. So, are you going to see her before you go off on the Bride & that's why you're making sure I'm at the inn tonight?
Victor (to Zoe): That would be presumptuous and rude. But... here's hoping. :-P
Zoe (to Victor): I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :-p
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. What kind of family do we come from that you're keeping your fingers crossed that your brother will join giblets with a bird he's only just met. ;-P
At the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Zoe): There's Seph. (to Persephone) Pssst! Seph!
Persephone (to Victor): Victor! You shouldn't be here. A CLANNG officer came by looking for you the other day. We might be being watched.
Victor (to Persephone): Don't worry. I'm not staying. Would you and your mom and dad mind giving Zoe here a place to stay for a week or so? She'll work for the room and board, of course. (to Zoe) Right?
Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): Yes, of course. I know how to cook, wash dishes, or serve. And, I'll be on my best behavior, I promise.
Victor (to Persephone): See? She might even be a help. Please?
Persephone (to Victor & Zoe): Okay, okay. You can stay in the attic room. I know we can use the help. Bernadette is due any day now & we could use an extra pair of hands.
Victor (to Persephone): Thank you! I'm going to be working on the Bride for about a week, and I didn't feel right leaving her at Mom's house. And Bernadette? That's what they're going to name the baby? Really? Does Aunt Molly even know it's a girl?
Persephone (to Victor): No. Bernadette is the Inn's bartender… You know, the one you flirt with every time you're here. Didn't you notice she was pregnant? Or did you just think she was fat?
Victor (to Persephone): I thought... Oh. No, I guess that's not right, is it? Odd... Anyway, if you two will be moo, I have someone else I should say goodbye to before I head out of town.
Zoe (to Persephone): Heehee. He probably just noticed she was female. (to Victor) Heehee. Have fun… But, not too much fun. :-P
Persephone (to Zoe): Heehee, that sounds about right… I think I like you. (to Victor) We'll be fine & totally moo. Stay safe.
Victor (to Zoe): Pervert! :-P (to Persephone) Always. I'll see you soon. Thank you. I'll get out of here before I attract too much trouble.
Persephone (to Victor): Give me a hug!
Victor (to Zoe): Give me a hug too, "little sister." Behave, and have fun washing dishes!
Zoe (to Victor): … Thanks. :-P
Persephone (to Zoe): Come on, I'll show you around.
Zoe (to Persephone): Okay. Thanks.
A short time later, at Yukiko's flat; East Garden, New London, Britannia:
Victor: She said you could call on her. What possible reason could you have for being nervous? There is NO REASON to be nervous. Just ring the bloody bell, Victor.
Yukiko (to Delia): Aunty Delia, I'm back from the teahouse. Are you still here?
Delia (to Yukiko): Yes, love. You have good timing actually, I was just getting up. So, is your errant gentleman caller calling again tonight and if so should I make myself scarce for the evening?
Yukiko (to Delia): I don't really know. I certainly would like to see him… Are you hungry? I can fix us some dinner.
Delia (to Yukiko): That would be lovely, dear. Besides, I'd like to be here if he does show up. It's been ages since I last saw Victor. I try not to see him too much lest CLANNG come sniffing around and make trouble for him AND figure out who I really am at the same time. Safer that way, really.
Yukiko (to Delia): Oh? I didn't even know you knew him. I don't think you've ever mentioned him to me before now.
Delia (to Yukiko): That is because it is a long story. I knew his parents from way back. When I'd heard they'd died I was able to make my way to Britannia because I was sure that an accident couldn't possibly have killed them. But.. I was unable to prove otherwise and by that time I was well and truly stuck here. After that I joined up with the pirates just so I could do SOMETHING to CLANNG. Then I met you and your family and from there you know the rest. As far as I know, CLANNG doesn't suspect who I am or what my connection to the Potters really is. Or, so I hope. They haven't come after me yet, anyway.
Yukiko (to Delia): Wow… So, you know Victor & Zoe. That's just an amazing coincidence.
Delia (to Yukiko): ... Who on earth is Zoe?
Yukiko (to Delia): Victor's little sister… You don't know her? That's odd.
Delia (to Yukiko): Vincent and Poppy had one child as far as I was aware. If he has a sister I have to imagine he's simply adopted her as such.
Yukiko (to Delia): Oh… That's probably it. He did say something about only finding her a few days ago at some Inn.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Delia): Victor? You're here… We were just talking about you. Apparently, you know Delia, she's a bit of an adopted aunt.
Victor (to Yukiko): You were? Oh! Yes, I do! (to Delia) How are you, Ms. Delia? It's been far too long. I hope you're well.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh its good to see you too, hon. You'll forgive me for staying away so long. Didn't want to make trouble for you. We were, in fact, speaking about you. I commented this morning how you aren't short, fat OR Asian.
Victor (to Delia): Oh. Heh. No, I'm not, in fact, any of those things, despite my parents' stature. :-P It's alright, Ms. Delia. And, I understand. Besides, I'm more than adept at getting myself into trouble without any help.
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, are you hungry? I was just making some noodles.
Delia (to Victor): Yeah, you're just like your dad in that. So... I hear you picked up a stray.
Victor (to Delia): A stray? Oh. You must mean Zoe. Heh. I suppose I have... (to Yukiko) Noodles would be excellent. I'm starving! I mean, yes, please. I suppose I could eat something.
Yukiko (to Delia & Victor): Heehee… Here you are. Noodles for you both… And, this too. You both look like you could use some saké.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): Oh yes, Yuki keeps good saké. You'll enjoy that. So, how'd you two kids meet?
Victor (to Yukiko): Thank you! (to Delia) Oh. We met at Agent Wilkes's brownstone. He's... He used to work with my mom.
Yukiko (to Delia): I was there returning Aiden's coat. He had left it accidentally at the teahouse.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): That stuffy, stick up his ass lord's son that works for ISS? Never did like that one much. Too bloody formal and far too posh for my taste.
Yukiko (to Delia): Heh. Yes, he was my handler when I worked for the ISS.
Victor (to Delia): Ha ha ha! That's... Actually, that's exactly how I would put it. Heh.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): Never did like that one much. Too bloody formal and far too posh for my taste.
Victor (to Delia): Heh. He's the one who tried to tap me to work for Queen and Country a year ago, Ms. Delia.
Yukiko (to Delia & Victor): He's honestly not so bad once you get to know him…
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): I'll take you're word on that, Yuki. He kinda makes my teeth itch, personally. Course, I still could just be mad at him since he was the one that ruled your parents death an accident and I couldn't prove otherwise.
Victor (to Delia): I know... I feel the same way... Zoe said he's alright as well, more or less.
Yukiko (to Delia & Victor): Heh. Let me grab another bottle.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): And how would a stray you picked up know a thing like that?
Victor (to Delia & Yukiko): Oh. ... Shit. This saké is WAY more alcoholic than I thought it was, isn't it?
Delia (to Victor): Smooth Victor, smooth.
Victor (to Delia): Gee. Thanks. Please understand I know how crazy this sounds, but Zoe said she's from an alternate timeline in which my Mom and Dad didn't die. She says they adopted her and a cousin of mine about a year ago. Hiiri changed the timeline by going back into the past and killing my mother and father... She was unaffected, because she had opened a portal at the time. As I said, I know it sounds insane. It's the feeling I get when I'm around her, like I SHOULD know her. I get the same feeling around you, Yuki.
Yukiko (to Victor & Delia): Oh… And, that's why I keep getting that weird sense of deja vu when I'm around you. Stranger things have been known to happen.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): You're right. It does sound crazy. But, so did Brittania when I first found out about it. Remind me to tell you both the story of the portal in my closet and my 20ft tall electric cat some time. Knowing Hiiri, this sounds like her. In fact, I think she tried something similar a couple times in the past only then she failed miserably.
Victor (to Delia & Yukiko): Oh. You believe me?
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): Well yes, that certainly lends credence to the theory. But! I believe I shall bid the two of you adieu. I'm sure you'd like some alone time to explore.. whatever this is. And I believe I'll find myself a drink and someone pretty to play with for the evening. Don't tell your mother, Yuki, she'd be mortified.
Yukiko (to Delia): Heehee. I'll take the secret to my grave, Aunty Delia… and, thank you.
Victor (to Delia): It was VERY nice seeing you again, Ms. Delia.
Delia (to Victor & Yukiko): You too, kiddo. Don't get up to… say half the trouble I would.
Victor (to Delia): Heh. Aye, aye, ma'am.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm glad you came back
Victor (to Yukiko): You are? Even after all that insanity? Well, I'm not going to pretend I'm not glad to hear that.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. I've dealt with insanity before. Why don't we move to the sitting room and chat?
Victor (to Yukiko): I would like that. I AM going to warn you, however, that I am quite drunk, and most likely not to be trusted. At all.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh good. I'd hate to be the only one untrustworthy. ;-)
Victor (to Yukiko): I like the sound of that...
An hour or so later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hello, dear. How are you feeling? I would imagine you need some headache powders and a strong cuppa after all that wine. Why are you dressed in your uniform, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Well, This has been nice and all, but I really need to get going. Sooner or later, CLANNG is gonna come looking for me. You don't want me being here when that happens. Trust me. It ends--bloody. I'm much obliged for the tea and aspirin.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Here you are, dear. I hope you'll at the very least let me get you something to eat. You haven't had a proper meal since you've been here, young man. You need something solid and nutritious in you.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): I don't suppose you would take "no" as an answer, would you?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Not in the slightest. I also think that if you're going to leave, you need to say it face to face to Master Aiden.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Yes, ma'am.
A short time later, in the kitchen:
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I'm glad to see you home, Master Aiden. Even if you ARE late. Supper should be ready shortly. Your guest is in the sitting room. I do hope you'll convince him to at least stay for a meal.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I apologize for being late. My father had me in his office for several hours. It was quite unpleasant… I'll go see to our guest.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Oh, sweetie. I'm sorry. Let me pour you a glass of wine first.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, thank you, Mrs. Esterly.
A moment later, in the sitting room:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? I've been asked to invite you to stay for dinner.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? Whoa! Back the fuck away from me, slick! I... Aiden? Oh. Shit... Sorry. I think I dozed off. What did you say?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I beg your pardon… I just came to ask you to stay for dinner… Are you alright?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...Yeah. I'm-- I'm fine. Mostly fine. I mean, I will be fine... Whatever! Dinner would be... Dinner would be good. Thanks. Heh. Besides, if I didn't stay, I think Mrs. Esterly would tie me to a chair and feed me through a funnel.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh… She already asked you to stay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Not in so many words. I told her I was planning on leaving, and she complained about my weight. She also insisted I say goodbye and thank you to you in person. Which, honestly, is only fair.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So, you're leaving after dinner? … Well, that's probably for the best.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Sooner or later, CLANNG will be expecting me to check in, and I don't want to put you in danger, cause I... I mean, you probably don't want Hiiri breathing down your neck... Heh. Who would?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): At the moment, I'd honestly prefer Hiiri to my father breathing down my neck.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit. Your dad's giving you a hard time, huh? No offense, but he seems like a dick.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, well… He has a lot on his plate.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Still doesn't change the fact he's a dick. ...He doesn't like you, does he?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … I'm sure he likes me in his own way.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Which is polite talk for no. Heh. You ain't gotta lie to me. I've been a profound disappointment to my family for years.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's not disappointment that is the problem. My father blames me for something… And, there's no way for me to fix it. Look, we should be heading into the dining room. Mrs. Esterly will be cross with us if we're late to the table.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I know he blames you for your brother's death and all. Which is FUCKED UP if you ask me. And I work for a killer robot. Wait... Shit. That's one of those things I'm not supposed to know, isn't it? Sorry. I didn't mean. Never mind. Sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ...
A moment later, in the dining room:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Dinner smells delicious.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course it does, dear. Have a seat, and I'll serve... What's with the long faces, boys? What's going on? You might as well tell me. Both of you are rubbish at keeping secrets.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um, sorry, ma'am.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I think I'll be skipping dinner tonight, Mrs. Esterly. (to Nathaniel) Nate, you know the way out. Enjoy your meal.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh bloody hell! Master Aiden, sit your arse back in that chair. You too, Mr. Nate. I will break the knees on BOTH of you, if you don't. I'm going to get us a bottle of wine.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): But, I...
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, I have had just about enough with being spoken to like a petulant child for one day.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Well, I've had just about enough of you acting like one, young man! (to Nathaniel) Stop your snickering right this second! (to Aiden & Nathaniel) I'm about two minutes away from locking you both in the basement. See if I don't!
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly! Really!?!
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ... I have reached the end of my tether! The absolute end of it. Up and at 'em, both of you. Grab your plates and wine if you like, but you are both marching upstairs to sort this out right this second.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): What!?! Why upstairs? … I am not ten years old.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Right. This. Second. I will shoot you both and drag your unconscious bodies up the stairs if I need to. Go. Upstairs with both of you. When you two stop acting like spoiled brats, I will stop treating you as such.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. Alright. Just... Just take it easy. (to Aiden) Why the fuck does she have a Teslaracht?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Because, she used to be an ISS sniper known as Artemis. (to Mrs. Esterly) What exactly do you expect us to do?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I believe I already made myself clear.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Shit. Did she just lock us in?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I believe she did… I can pick a lock. I just need to find my kit… Which isn't in my drawer.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Holy on. I got one in my... Oh. No, I don't. Well, shit. I don't suppose you got a bobby-pin and a couple of paperclips, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): In my bedroom? Not in the slightest.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Well, shit, man. You'll never get to be MacGyver with a lack of preparation like that. Heh. Sorry. Off world reference. You seriously don't have like a gun, or knife, or toolkit, or ANYTHING in your bedroom?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I normally do, but it would appear that Mrs. Esterly has removed them all.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Well, shit. I guess we're here until she gets bored.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I suppose so. I don't know what's gotten into her.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Seems to me she's worried about you. It's not the worse thing in the world, you know. Sorry. Goddamn. Bars on the windows too? Jesus! Help me dislocate my shoulder, and I should be able to get through the gap.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Or we could just do what she asked.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Stop acting like spoiled brats? Heh. I think I got a better chance getting through those narrow ass bars... Just kidding. I, uh, I don't know what to say.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know either.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Look, I somehow know a lot more about you than you know about me, and clearly it's freaking you out. So... if you got questions, or something, ask. And don't worry. I won't tell CLANNG shit about you, alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, you know some very intimate details about my life that I've never told anyone. And yes, it's disconcerting... And, to be honest, I'm not quite sure what to ask.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Alright, well my full name's Nathaniel Zachariah Jones. My dad's a minister in Mississippi on the other side of the portals.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You're from the other side?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Heh. I am SO not from 'round here. Hiiri pulled me out of an Asylum when I was 15. Told me I was a skipper. That's how I ended up with CLANNG. I thought at first she wanted me cause of what I could do, but now I'm not sure.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Sorry for what? It's not your fault I got hooked up with shitty people. ...I should've left a long time ago, honestly. But, I didn't have anywhere else to go, you know? I guess I figured sooner or later, I wouldn't have to worry about it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't want you to go back there. I want you to stay with me & I honestly have no idea why. But, I feel like this is where you are supposed to be, which is crazy. As we've only just met.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... I can't. Sooner or later they'll come looking for me--Hiiri knows I was headed here--and when they do... I know we just met, and this is even fucking CRAZIER, but I... Christ. I'm fucking in love with you. I know we don't know each other here and now, but I... You are exactly as I remember you. Heh. A little stuffier, but... God. There is no way I can say this that doesn't sound fucking nuts.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate... I love you, too. Please, don't go back there. We'll figure something out. I promise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Goddamn it! No I'm...I'm trying to give you a fucking out, jackass! I know what'll happen if your dad finds out about me!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So, it's completely acceptable for you to express your feelings towards me but I'm not afforded the same luxury? Fine... Let's just tell Mrs. Esterly we've worked out whatever it is she wants us to work out & you can go about your business. Wait. What do you think will happen?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You get stripped of your job, your family and get kicked out in the street, don't you? ...And that's not even factoring in what'll happen if fucking Starling shows up here. Ask me about what happened to the people that took me in when I ran away when I was fucking 16, sometime.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): When my mother died, I inherited her family fortune much to the chagrin of my brother. In her will, she said she was sorry for blaming me for Theodore's death. I don't need my fathers damn title... You don't know everything about me. And, I have a retired spy for a housekeeper, not to mention an inhibitor field in my house. We're safe.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): But, earlier, you told Mrs. Esterly you wanted me to go.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. You heard that? I was afraid of how I felt about you, not because of my father. I've tried hard to keep my emotions in check for my work. It's come in handy... Except in this instance.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. I... I don't know what to say. I thought... It's really hard for me to think straight when you're that fucking close to me, you know that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, is it? I'm sorry. Do you want me to move?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. No, there's no need to be fucking hasty...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Then, can I get closer?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yes. I insist as a matter of fact. C'mere.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, sir.
