Seychella: Ow! Goddamnit, Hernesto...why you gotta be so..so... steamy?! Steam is for milk, not my hand.
Oliver (to Seychella): Are you alright, Seychella?
Seychella (to Oliver): Yeah… I just apparently didn't turn the knob all the way closed and steamed myself.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh dear! Are you alright? That wand can get extraordinarily hot. You didn't hurt yourself, did you?
Seychella (to Oliver): Heh, just mildly scalded. I think I'll survive... if only just.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh good. I wouldn't want you to be steamed to death like all the others.
Seychella (to Oliver): .. Wait. All the others? It IS evil...
Oliver (to Seychella): Heh. No. No. I made a joke. River said I should work on my interpersonal skills.
Seychella (to Oliver): I figured... I was playing along.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh! Very good. I've been practicing. How did I do?
Seychella (to Oliver): Pretty good actually, although if you wanted me to believe you though you shouldn't have been smirking when ya said it.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh! Heh. Yes. Very good. I will keep that in mind next time. Thank you. How are you doing?
Seychella (to Oliver): Oh, I'll be fine. Running my hand under the cool water seems to have helped. Sweet of you to worry though. I've had worse burns.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh. That's unfortunate. I'm glad that you weren't hurt too badly.
Seychella (to Oliver): I'm just gonna have to remember that Hernesto has a temper. So.. you've been working on developing your sense of humor?
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh. Yes. Apparently, I come off as a bit odd, cold and inhuman, and can be a bit emotionally detached. It makes people uncomfortable, so I've been trying to work on it.
Seychella (to Oliver): Well… you do come off as a bit odd, tell the truth. I just figured may you were homeschooled or somethin'. But, and maybe this is because you're working on it… I wouldn't have called you cold. Overly polite, perhaps. Not cold. I can see how the two would be confused though. Not a lot of people are quite that polite in day to day interactions anymore.
Oliver (to Seychella): Thank you. I do tend to be a bit formal, I suppose. I was... I had a very particular upbringing.
Seychella (to Oliver): So.. what? Super religious family? Strict parents? Cult?
Oliver (to Seychella): Um, rather British, I suppose. I was born in London..
Seychella (to Oliver): Well.. I suppose the people of England aren't traditionally known for their feelings or how expressive they are.
Oliver (to Seychella): No. Especially not the way I was brought up. I'm glad I don't off-put you. Typically, people take a while to warm up to me.
Seychella (to Oliver): Eh… people are people. It's not like you stand in the corner and just stare at me. A little odd… NOT the same as creepy. I may also be at an advantage what with you currently working on your sense of humor and coming out of your shell.
Oliver (to Seychella): Oh. Well, I'm glad to hear it.
At the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Persephone: Oh? What time is it? ... Damn it! I overslept. Mam's gonna kill me.
A short time later, in the dining area:
Charles (to Persephone): Good morning, Miss Persephone. There's tea if you would like some.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh, thank you! I'm so sorry I'm late. I didn't hear my alarm... And, Mam's cooking?
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, miss. She said last night made her realize how much she missed it. Here you are. She thought she would let you sleep in this morning as a treat. We were out rather late last night. Heh. You don't care much for mornings under ideal circumstances, miss.
Persephone (to Charles): Heehee, that is very true. Thank you for the tea... and for the theater, last night. I had a lovely time.
Charles (to Persephone): I'm very glad... I had a good time too.
Persephone (to Charles): Charles, do you have a moment to chat?
Charles (to Persephone): Oh. Yes. Of course. Just let me get the scones out of the oven.
A moment later:
Charles (to Persephone): What can I do for you?
Persephone (to Charles): I really like you, Charles... But, I don't think we can go on anymore dates. It, well, it wouldn't be appropriate. I'm a good deal older than you, for one thing. And, I know you're very mature for your age but it just wouldn't be proper... I don't know if you've heard this about me, but I'm considered to be a bit of a flibbertigibbet. And, while I do like the attention & it is quite flattering. You should really find someone your own age to show your affection. I'm very sorry.
Charles (to Persephone): It's alright, Miss Persephone. I understand, and you're quite right, of course. I... Honestly, I didn't expect you to take me to the theater with you. I'm very glad that you did, but I didn't misread the gesture. Heh. Even if we were the same age, I doubt very much I could grab your attention. I like working at the inn, miss. You very much do not.
Persephone (to Charles): That is not what I'm saying at all, you chowderhead... Boys are so stupid. I am thinking seriously of joining a nunnery. If you were a few years older or I, a couple years younger I would be more than willing to be your sweetheart, if you asked. However, that isn't the case. That was what I was trying to say... Grunt! Nevermind... I have chores to attend to.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh. But I thought... I'm confused.
George (to Charles): Heh... Want me to explain it to you, Chuckles?
Charles (to George): Mr. Fitzroy! ... You startled me. You do know it's quite rude to call upon someone without knocking, don't you?
George (to Charles): My apologies, Mister Turner. I was just here to pick up a cake order for Ms. Dvorak. She's "entertaining" again tonight. Some very important people are coming over for dinner & she wants it to be perfect. And, don't worry, I won't be startling you much longer. I'm returning to Liverpool this evening.
Charles (to George): Of course. Allow me to get that for you. Do be careful back in Liverpool, Mr. Fitzroy. It's... Well, I'm sure you're familiar with its dangers. Here you are. Please send along my regards to Ms. Dvorak.
George (to Charles): Thank you, Mister Turner. It's sweet of you to be concerned, but I'm quite capable of taking care of myself. Heh. I'm not so sure about you yourself, though. You're getting into a bit of a sticky wicket with the pretty girl. Best to cut your losses. Older women are always trouble. :-P
Charles (to George): I-I wasn't trying to... I don't know what you think my intentions are, Mr. Fitzroy, but I... I... I'll bid you good day!
George: What a knob... (to Charles) Heh... Good day to you, Mister Turner.
A short time later:
Victor (to Charles): Good morning, Mr. Turner. How are you?
Charles (to Victor): Hello, Mr. Potter. May I get you something?
Victor (to Charles): No thank you. Is Persephone about?
Charles (to Victor): Yes, sir. She's seeing to some duties elsewhere on the grounds. I'm afraid I... She's rather cross with me at the moment.
Victor (to Charles): Heh. Don't worry too much about it, Mr. Turner. It happens to all of us. Don't interrupt what you're doing. I can find her.
Charles (to Victor): Thank you, sir.
A short time later, at the Inn's chicken coop:
Victor (to Persephone): I thought I might find you here.
Persephone (to Victor): Huh? Oh... Hi, Victor! I'm so happy to see you. Oops! Watch out for the baby chicks... Damn! Help me put them back. Quick!
Victor (to Persephone): Oh shit! Ha ha ha! Come on chickens. Back you go! Heh.
A little while later:
Persephone (to Victor): 5... 6... 7...8. Okay, I think that's all of them. Sorry about that. I was supposed to be feeding them but they were so cute. Heehee. What brings you to town?
Victor (to Persephone): Mrs. Esterly and Ms. Dvorak are trying to work out what Hiiri is up to, so they wanted to pick mom and dad's brains. I think Zoe and Mars are coming too. They wanted to check on Nate. So. Why are you mad at Charles?
Persephone (to Victor): Well, that's good to hear... And, I'm mad at Charles because he is an idiot.
Victor (to Persephone): Oh well, yes. Of course. How did I not figure that out before? What happened? You only come out to hang out with the chickens when something is bothering you.
Persephone (to Victor): Charles bought me tickets to a play, which I insisted that he attend with me... And we had a really nice time & then, I remembered how much of an age difference there is & I felt like I was leading him on. So, I told him that we couldn't do that sort of thing again. And, he went all stodgy and going on about how he didn't misread the gesture & how even if he was the same age I would never be interested in him, how he likes the inn & I don't. which just isn't true... And, then I called him a chowderhead and stomped off... I shouldn't have asked him to go with me to the play. I've gone and ruined everything.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh heh. Sorry. I've just never all twisted up over someone before. Hey! Beating up your cousin isn't gonna solve anything. Calm down. What do you think you've ruined?
Persephone (to Victor): I don't know! That's why I'm upset. And, you're not helping. Standing there smirking at me.
Victor (to Persephone): I'm not smirking at you. OK, maybe I'm smirking a little bit... If Charles needs to think you'd never be interested in him in order to get over his crush on you, then what's the problem?
Persephone (to Victor): ... But, that's the thing. I am-- I mean, I would be interested in him, if he was a more appropriate age... God, not even a few months into being 18 & I've already become a pervy old woman.
Victor (to Persephone): Ha ha ha! Seph... You're hardly a dirty old woman.
Persephone (to Victor): Once again, not helping.
Victor (to Persephone): I'm sorry. I really am. I don't mean to laugh, this is just SO unlike you. You're usually more... Well, "in control" is a good way to put it. I am sorry. It's an awful position to be in. He may ACT like he's 45, but he really is very young. Heh. Which is probably why he didn't understand what you were trying to tell him.
Persephone (to Victor): I know. It's just last night he didn't seem that young. It just felt like a nice evening out with a handsome boy... Which is why I am out here hiding... Can I go with you & Yoyo when you leave? You could drop me off somewhere... Paris? Barcelona? The middle of the ocean?
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Well, it looks like your mom's up to cooking again, right? You know you're more than welcome to come with us. And Charles won't always be far too young, you know... I have to admit, I'm a little surprised.
Persephone (to Victor): Surprised that I'm an idiot? You can't really be all that surprised. I do idiotic things all the time. I'm famous for it, in fact. I believe I have a plaque in my bedroom. :-P
Victor (to Persephone): I know you're not an idiot, and your plaque says "I am the Best at Doing Stupid Things." :-P I know because I made it. I meant that I'm a bit surprised by your taste in gentlemen.
Persephone (to Victor): I mean, the swashbuckling brigand is all well & good to fantasize about, Victor. Honestly, it would be too exhausting to compete with all that sort of thing. I still very much want to go off on adventures, myself. but I like the idea of coming home to someone who is sweet, kind, dotes on me and thinks I'm the most exciting, interesting creature in the world.
Victor (to Persephone): I would have never guessed you would go for the the stuffy, stoic type. In fact, I believe your dad would have nightmares about the kind of guy you were going to bring home.
Persephone (to Victor): I just don't think I'm going to ever find that on an airship. And, I'm not quite sure I could handle having a relationship like your parent's.
Victor (to Persephone): Thank goodness for that. One set of my parents is more than enough. :-P I think you're thinking too hard about it, Seph.
Persephone (to Victor): But, enough about my lovelife or lack thereof. How are you & Yoyo?
Victor (to Persephone): We're fine. The crown has lifted the blacklisting, which is a huge relief.
Persephone (to Victor): So, does that mean you're going to go school in West Piedmont? Or are you going to still run cargo?
Victor (to Persephone): I'm going to continue to run cargo, I think. Heh. Not that it matters even if I wanted to go to school. I didn't get into school in West Piedmont. Apparently, I did abhorrently on the entrance exam. :-P
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee. I have to say that I'm actually kinda glad you didn't get in. I like seeing you. I should get back to doing my chores. I meant what I said about going off with you guys. Please, come find me before you leave the city.
Victor (to Persephone): We will. Are you going to make up with Charles?
Persephone (to Victor): ... I don't know.
Victor (to Persephone): It will all work out in the end, Seph.
Persephone (to Victor): Hmmm… I think I liked you better when you just went along with whatever nonsense I was doing. :-P Then acting all sage-like simply because you lucked out.
Victor (to Persephone): Sage-like? Are you kidding? That was an utter cop-out. I have no idea what to tell you to do about Charles, but, whatever happens, I'm sure you'll both survive. And believe me, I am acutely aware of how much I lucked out.
Persephone (to Victor): Thanks! I'll see you soon.
Victor (to Persephone): We'll call on you soon! Bye! Goodbye, chickens.
Persephone (to Victor): Bye, Victor!
A few hours later, in the kitchen:
Persephone (to Molly): Fine, Ma, I'll go help Charles with the meat pies. No, I'm not giving you attitude... (to Charles) I've been sent to help.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh, thank you, Ms Persephone! I'm a bit behind, I'm afraid!
Persephone (to Charles): It's fine. I'll get the filling made. If you can do the crusts.
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, ma'am. ...I-I'm very sorry that I upset you earlier.
Persephone (to Charles): It's not your fault, Charles. I'm the one that should apologize to you. I behaved abominably & I'm very sorry.
Charles (to Persephone): You don't owe me an apology, miss. I'd be...I'm not sure what would have become of me if it wasn't for you and your family. I wouldn't upset you purposefully for the world. Again, I'm very sorry. I have the crusts set. I'm going to start the soup.
An hour or so later:
Persephone (to Charles): Charles, I informed my mother earlier that I will be leaving in the next day or so. She'll be back to running everything and I know she would be quite grateful, if you continued to stay on here. You've been such a big help to me & I know you will do an excellent job... Meat pies are going in the oven. I think we're just about caught up.
Charles (to Persephone): Very good. I would... I would really like to stay if Mr. and Mrs. Longfellow will continue to have me.
Persephone (to Charles): That's good to hear. My brothers seem to be taking after my Da & being more interested in the livestock & grounds then the Inn itself & I know it's always bothered Mam that there wasn't anyone interested in helping her. So, it's nice to know, that you'll be here keeping an eye on things. Okay, I've got four loaves of bread rising. Anything else?
Charles (to Persephone): No, miss. Thank you for your help. I'm glad you'll get to be doing what you want.
Persephone (to Charles): Alright, then... I'll be out in the garden, if you need me.
A few hours, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Hello, boys! I hope you don't mind, but we brought a couple of extras with us who really wanted to see Nate. And in case you do, we brought wine. :-P How are you, Nate? Give me a hug, kiddo.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh! Um, heh... Hey. It's good to see you too. (to Marlena & Zoe) Hey!
Aiden (to Vincent, Marlena & Zoe): Hello, Vincent! Mars! Zoe! Welcome, come in! I'll go tell Mrs. Esterly that we have two more for dinner.
Marlena (to Aiden): Hey.
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Thank you, Aiden. Please express our deepest condolences for any trouble my brood is causing.
Aiden (to Vincent): I will!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Gimme a hug, you fucker!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Hey. (to Zoe) Jesus CHRIST! Heh. Don't crack my ribs, you tiny monster!
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You don't call, you don't write... Or send telegrams or pigeons. :-p
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Well, the state of Mississippi's mental health facilities still have my phone, and I fucking hate pigeons. :-P
Marlena: Heh.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... Um... Here you go. I forgot to give it to you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh! Thanks! You know, this would've come in handy, like, a MONTH ago, right? Heh. I'm just kidding. Thanks, again.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sorry, I totally forgot I had it in this coat pocket. I had grabbed it cuz I was worried Hiiri would get her hands on it & use it for something terrible.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Holy shit! TELL ME you have another pack of cigarettes I can bum from you. I will pay you whatever you want. (to Zoe) Heh. It's OK. It was kinda a fucked up thing. I'm just grateful that you got me outta that fucking hellhole.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I brought you a fucking carton cuz I figured you wouldn't know how to roll your own for shit... (to Zoe) Told ya. Pay up, shortie.
Zoe (to Marlena): Awww, man. Here. I had such high hopes that he'd figure it out.
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Marlena): Gimme a fucking break, alright? Believe me, it hasn't been for a lack of trying. If you think it's so easy, have fucking at it.
Marlena (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Give that shit to me. You're not supposed to be smoking, shortcake. You're grounded, remember? I can fucking do it. River smokes these stupid fucking things all the time. That's all his parents smoke so he learned pretty damn quick. I had to learn out of desperation one weekend.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Things still going pretty alright with River then, huh? (to Zoe) What did you get grounded for? Not the jailbreak?
Zoe (to Marlena): … You used to be fun, Mars. (to Nathaniel) Yeah, the jailbreak… But, they're weakening their resolve. Dad let me go see Colin last night.
Marlena (to Zoe): You cannot fucking prove that.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! You're mistaken, shortie. Mars was NEVER fun. It burns her.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): HAHAHA! That's probably true. She's more of a grumpy bump on the log than you. :-P
Marlena (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Fuck you both… Where can I smoke in this mausoleum?
Zoe (to Marlena): Heehee. You know, we love you, Mars.
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Marlena): Heh. I missed you assholes too. Aiden smokes every fucking place, but I usually go out to the back garden.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Marlena): Heehee… Oh, I should probably go find Dad before he thinks I'm smoking with you guys.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Fucking goodie two shoes! Heh. Watch it! I forgot how fucking violent you were. Your dad's probably in the kitchen. (to Marlena) Come on.
Marlena (to Zoe): Heh. I'll smoke one for you, shortie. (to Nathaniel) Lead the way to the back garden before I light this thing right here.
Zoe (to Marlena): Gee thanks, Sasquatch.
A moment later:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Wow! This place is fucking huge… Do you have a map or a tour guide to get around here?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Fucking tell me about it. It look me at least a fucking week before I knew where the hell I was. Heh. I still get fucking turned around sometimes.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. So, do you fucking love it or what?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): It's alright, I guess. I mean, this is Aiden's home, and Mrs. Esterly is really nice, so you know, but... I dunno. I've got shit to do here. I feel twitchy and paranoid and like I'm underfoot all the fucking time.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, Aiden's lawyer has been taking care of shit on our side. So, hopefully you won't be stuck here much longer.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Really? Oh thank fucking god! I mean, I'm glad I'm not camped out in that fucking hospital with a whole host of new scars... But, I wanna be someplace I feel like I belong, you know? Plus, if anyone catches me with Aiden here...
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Anybody? Or someone specific?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ... Anyone who will tell his dad he's shacked up with some dude.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): What a fucking tool!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah... Well, that's something he and I have in common, isn't it? :-P I missed you, Slim. Heh. As a friend, that is. Not in a sexy way. I know you're fucking disappointed.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I've been weeping every night waiting for you to come back & change your sinful ways. Heh. I missed you too, grumpy ass.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I know you've been pining for my scrawny ass. It must be tough having to settle for River, with his perfect hair, and biceps the size of my fucking waist. :-P
Marlena (to Nathaniel): And, quite a nice chest too... He'd give Aiden a run for the money. Heh. Should we go in & join everyone?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh heh. Yeah. Guess we should probably go in and stop being antisocial dicks, huh? Thanks, Mars. For coming and for the cigarettes. Heh. Mostly for the smokes, though. :-P
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I know.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh... Shit. I can't even pretend that's the truth. I am fucking glad to see you guys.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... Um, don't fucking tell anyone I did that. okay? It would ruin my reputation.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Don't worry. If anyone asks, I'll tell them you punched me. Come on. Let's go get some fucking food.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Lead the way.
