A couple hours later, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Zoe: … What the hell was that!?!
Colin (to Zoe): Are you OK? You look a little pale all of a sudden.
Zoe (to Colin): … If I told you that I sensed a disturbance in the force, would you believe me?
Colin (to Zoe): A disturbance in the force? Heh. I wonder if Alderaan is OK... Hey, I was just kidding. What kind of disturbance was it?
Zoe (to Colin): You know when you push two magnets together and you feel the resistance? It felt like that only bigger & then it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared.
Colin (to Zoe): Woah... Have you ever felt anything like that before? Do you think someone else who can do what you can do was in town?
Zoe (to Colin): Yeah… And, that's what I'm afraid of.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh... Well, that's not creepy at all. This is what I get for dating a super-powered high schooler, isn't it? :-P
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. Will you be my sidekick?
Colin (to Zoe): Sidekick? I'm more like your Mary Jane than you-- Never mind. Sidekick is fine.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. I'd much rather have adventures with you than to have you sitting on the sidelines like Mary Jane… You're more like my Batman, anyway.
Colin (to Zoe): Your Batman? Heh. I don't have enough daddy issues to be Batman, but I appreciate the compliment. Heh. You just want to see me in a cape, don't you? :-P
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. You caught me.
Colin (to Zoe): I knew it! Maybe I'll get one of those t-shirts with the capes attached.
A short time later, at Delphine's hotel room; New London, Britannia:
Joseph: Where the fuck am I!?!
Delphine (to Joseph): Bonjour, mon petite sauvage. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but I'm sorry that I can't answer them. Here, drink this.
Joseph (to Delphine): What is it? Who the fuck are you?
Delphine (to Joseph): It's just tea. Drink up.
Joseph (to Delphine): Gah! That tastes like shit… That wasn't just water. What the fuck do you wan--
Delphine (to Joseph): Sleep, mon petit chou. We have a bit of a journey to make as soon as I make the arrangements.
An hour or so later:
Delphine: Merde! How did he escape? I had him locked in here, drugged & inhibited… Seriously, he climbed out the window! What is he part monkey!?! I am so dead.
On the streets of New London, Britannia:
Joseph: Where the hell am I!?! None of these buildings look familiar at all. Shut up & stop talking to yourself, Joseph! Just run.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): JESUS! Watch where you're... I mean, excuse me. I'm sure it was...
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh my gods! Nate!?! Is that you? I am so glad to fucking see you. I need help. Please.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Joseph? You ARE Joseph, right? Are you alright?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Yeah, it's me. I don't know what the fuck is going on. Some lady with crazy pink hair grabbed me & I escaped but I'm lost... This isn't fucking West or East Piedmont, is it? I mean, I saw a fucking airship & some robot type thing… Am I going crazy? … Fuck… I can't breathe…
Nathaniel (to Joseph): WHAT? Oh, Jesus Butt-fuck Christ... Calm down. Take it easy. You can freak in 10 fucking minutes, alright? Come on. Let's get you outta the main thorough fair at least.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): … Okay.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): This pink-haired woman? French accent?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Yeah, I think so.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Course she fucking did. Take it easy. I'm not being a fucking pervert. I'm looking for... There's the fucker!
Joseph (to Nathaniel): What is that? … What's going on? Where the hell are we?
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Tracking device. Which is why I fucking hit it with a brick. We're, uh, we're kinda over the rainbow here. You know how in comics there's always like alternate fucking dimensions and shit? Well, we're in alt-England in 18-something. Shit, man. Your pupils are dilated as fuck... Is that recreational or did she drug you?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): … She gave me some kinda tea… Well, she said it was tea. It tasted like something the tribe gave me when I turned 16...
Nathaniel (to Joseph): You OK to walk? We're about 5 blocks from my boyfriend's place.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I think so… So, we're over the rainbow, huh? I always thought it would be brighter.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Heh. Just be glad there's no fucking munchkins or Judy Garland playing. I fucking hate Judy Garland... Here. Throw my jacket on. We'll have to try to stick to the side streets.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): You're the boss.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): No, I'm a paranoid fucker. Which, turns out, is one my better traits. Damn man. You must have luck like no one's fucking business to run into me, of all fucking people, in all of fucking New London. I mean, I'm the only... Huh. Weird question. Have you ever had weird kinda, uh, breaks from reality? Seeing and hearing things? Shit like that?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): …Yeah. My mom always said it was because her family were the shamans of our tribe & that we can commune with the spirit world. She said it was a gift that should be treasured. Dad called it the old ways and said it was just hokum & nonsense.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Shit... Figures. Can you run? We need to get off the street NOW. Looks like we both got inhibitors on, but if there's 2 of us makes us twice as easy to find.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): I-- I think so.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): I'll explain it all when we're inside... Come on!
At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs Esterly, have you seen Nate? He should have been back by now. I hope he hasn't gotten himself lost.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I'm afraid not, dear. He hasn't been back to the house yet. Why don't you pop outside and see if you can find him?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Good idea… I'm sure it goes without saying, but please prepare for trouble. Just in case. I'll hopefully be back shortly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course, Master Aiden. I'll unlock the cabinet where I keep my interesting weapons. Off you go, dear. Do be careful.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.
Meanwhile, on the streets; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Shit... (to Joseph) I got myself turned around. Just gimme a minute.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Okay… People are staring at us.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Well, partly it's cause you're grabbing my arm. It's England, 18-whatever, remember? They aren't big on touching, 'round here.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh, sorry… This is all just amazing and terrifying at the same fucking time.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. Tell me about it. Alright... I think we're headed that way. Wait... (to Aiden) Aiden? Is that you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): There you are! I got a bit worried that you were lost coming back from the café… Who is this?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Joseph. He's one of Zoe's classmates. Fifi DelaWhatever grabbed him. We should probably get off the street...
Joseph (to Nathaniel & Aiden): I am so fucking confused.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): It's all right. Aiden is my... He's a very good friend of mine.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Joseph): The brownstone is this way. Follow me.
A few minutes later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Joseph): Here we are. Come inside. Mrs. Esterly should have a look at our friend here.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh good! You're both home. Just let me put this away, then. (to Joseph) Hello, dear. Come inside.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, young Joseph here has been given something. You may want to give him a look. I'll get the guest room in order. (to Nathaniel) Will you come help me?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Hi there.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Sure. (to Joseph) Be right back, OK?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh... Okay. (to Mrs. Esterly) So, are you a doctor or something?
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. Oh no, nothing like that. I've just been around the world a few times, as the expression goes.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh… So, you're older than you look? … Oh gods! Shit. I'm sorry.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee hee. No, dear. I'm exactly as old as I look. Hee hee. Which as it happens is quite old. Let me see your eyes, dear. Is your vision alright, Joseph? You're not seeing trails or anything like that, are you?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): No, I just feel really, really relaxed.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): You're going to be fine. The effects should last a day or so. Hee hee. And it seems, you'll be a bit more free with your opinion than you'd like. Would you like a cup of tea and something to eat, dear?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, please… How the fuck do I get home? Am I stuck here? I mean, honestly no one's going to miss me. Mom's out of town again and Dad's in the middle of his novel writing, so he won't miss me until he needs cigarettes.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh my. I'm very sorry to hear that, Joseph. There you are. A cuppa for your nerves, and a nice piece of cake. It won't fix the world's problems, but it does make them a bit more bearable, doesn't it? Don't fret. We can get you home. Am I right in my assumption that you're from the same side as Nathaniel, dear?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh yeah… I think so.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Good heavens, we certainly seem to have an influx of you skippers about lately, don't we?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): … I don't know what that is. Some pink haired lady grabbed me on my way out to smoke at school. That's all the fuck I know.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): It's someone who can pass between the different worlds. It's quite a rare talent, from what I understand.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. I've never done that before. I don't think.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate! I'm going. We can't keep getting side swiped by Delphine. (to Mrs. Esterly) Mrs. Esterly, I'm going out. Please keep an eye on our guest and Nate while I'm gone.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You mule-headed, stubborn ass... Aiden! Wait! Listen to me! You can't just go marching up to her house with no fucking plan!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I have a plan. To get her to stop grabbing skippers. Easy peasy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh good. Y'all got two fucking sentences in there. For a minute I was worried it was a stupid fucking idea! You are going to get yourself killed.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Are they always like this?
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh no. Not at all. Quite the opposite, actually. (to Aiden) Why does this have you so fired up, dear?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Delphine is working for Ms. Dvorak & Hiiri. I believe this is connected to our current predicament. I was going to go see Ms. Dvorak and get her to call off Delphine. I'm not sure what her plan is but Delphine is kidnapping children. That's not agreeable or right. We don't do that sort of thing.
Joseph (to Aiden & Mrs. Esterly): Hey! I'm not a fucking child… I mean, by some standards sure, but you're not much older, Sherlock.
Aiden (to Joseph): I beg your pardon, Joseph.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Quite right, Master Aiden. Give Margaux my regards. (to Nathaniel & Joseph) You lads will have to stay here with me.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, Mrs. Esterly. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Wait just one fucking minute...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): No ifs, ands, or buts, young man! (to Joseph) That goes for you too.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm not going anywhere. I have no fucking idea where I'd go. Is there anymore cake?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): Fine! What the fuck ever! I'm grabbing a cigarette.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Of course, dear. Here you are.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you… I'm sure I'm going to be freaking about this later, but so far this is the best fucking cake I've ever had.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. I'm glad you enjoy it. I'm sure once Nathaniel calms down and finishes smoking, he'll explain everything to you.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. I don't know if it's the drugs or the cake or what but, I'm feeling very calm about the whole thing… So, are you a skipper, too? Or does everyone have powers here? Are there superheroes here? I mean, I saw airships & robots earlier. Is there magic? Can people transform into things? My mom would be fuckin' tickled if I could do something like that.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. I think that's rather the drugs, dear. My sponge isn't THAT good. And no, I'm not a skipper. I'm your run-of-the-mill granny who knows quite a bit in a few very narrow fields of expertise. We just have a different type of science here. And as far as I know, no one can transform from one thing to another. Although we do get the odd talking cat.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh… Talking cats, huh? That's cool.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh yes. There may be other animals that can do it, but I've personally never met them. I suspect if there are other creatures that speak, they're smart enough not to. Cats can't help but brag about it, it seems.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. That sounds like cats.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Doesn't it just?
A few minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): Hey. Um, sorry I stormed out earlier. And for all the cussing.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel & Joseph): It's quite alright. Tensions are a bit high at the moment. Don't worry about Master Aiden, dear. He'll be fine. Now, you and Joseph need to go make yourselves comfortable elsewhere. I have supper to make.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, right… Thank you for the tea & cake.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): You're very welcome. There's more food where that came from. The two of you are all angles! (to Nathaniel) Nathaniel... Shoo! Go be sullen elsewhere.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Need a smoke?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Yes, I fucking do. Got any?
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. Roll your own, or modern chemical-filled American ones?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Roll your own is fine by me.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Here you go. Looks like I'm the only one who can't figure out how to work those goddamn things... Are you... You're fucking grinning! Shit. Whatever she gave you must have been some good damn stuff.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Heh. Sorry… So, is every member of your family a skipper?
Nathaniel (to Joseph): I'm not complaining. Hell, it's better than you freaking the fuck out. It seems to run in families, but it seems kinda... I dunno, random. My parents thought I was a schizo and had me locked up a couple of times cause of it. It wasn't until I met my aunt and uncle I learned it was a thing I could control, and not a result of mental disease.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh… Wow…
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Trust me. That's not the worst that they did. So, what else you wanna know? Questions? Heh. Or are you too stoned to care?
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Heh. A little of both. So, there aren't very many skippers, huh? Why does that lady want them?
Nathaniel (to Joseph): She's a mercenary. She's getting them for someone else... I dunno how much of this I should tell you. Stoned or no, it might seriously disturb your shit.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Well, I hate fucking shit disturbances. Heh. Sorry.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Heh. It's fine. Better not to freak you out anyway.
A short time later, at Ms. Dvorak's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): Margaux! I've just had about enough of this blasted stalling. I know that trick all too well.
Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Calm down, dear. I wasn't stalling you. I was in the middle of a session & it simply wasn't a good time.
Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): Fine. Call off Delphine. I don't care if you're just trying to help but she grabbed a classmate of Zoe's who didn't even know he was a skipper. Just call her off or I'll stop her myself.
Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Temper, darling. You'll burst a blood vessel. I don't have her kidnapping skippers. She's on a mission to take Carver out of the equation. I figure once he's out of the way, taking out the automatons will be easier. If Delphine is grabbing skippers then it's probably another job of hers. She does like to multi-task… It saves time.
Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): Just call her off. Understand?
Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Fine. I'll see what I can do, dea-- Rude. He used to have much better manners.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly? I'm here with your delivery of Scotch and other sundry items. Da sends his regrets that it's a day late.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): It's quite alright, dear. Hee hee. Somehow we've survived. Are you back at the inn?
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, but only for a short time. I'm presently looking for a room to rent & a job here in the city.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Are you? How lovely! I will keep my eyes and ears open for you, sweetie.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, thank you… Is Aiden or Nate at home? I'd hate to stop by without saying hello.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): I believe Nathaniel and our young guest Joseph are in the garden.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh... Who's Joseph? I don't recognize the name.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Someone Nathaniel knows from the other side, dear. He got himself snatched up by Delphine, apparently. She's been snatching skippers for Hiiri, I'm afraid.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, her... She tried to grab Victor, yesterday. Nate's probably a mess. I guess I really should say hello. Wish me luck! :-P
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): She tried to grab Victor, did she? My, my... She must be getting desperate. Good luck, dear.
A moment later, in the garden:
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Hey there, Nate. How you holding up? (to Joseph) Hi there, I'm Persephone. And you are?
Joseph (to Persephone): Oh, um, Joseph… You're gorgeous… Oh, sorry. I'm still a little loopy.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Joseph): Ha ha ha! Loopy? He is stoned outta his gourd. Heh.
Persephone (to Joseph & Nathaniel): Heehee. Well, I appreciate the compliment, anyway. Stoned or not. I just wanted to say hello before I headed back home.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Thanks. You back at the Inn?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): For a little while. I'm looking to move into the city, find a new job & maybe go to the school.
Joseph (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Heh. That sounds cool.
Persephone (to Joseph): Heehee. Are you always so giggly?
Joseph (to Persephone & Nathaniel): I'm not fucking giggly… Am I?
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Heh. Hate to tell you this, Joe, but you're a little fucking giggly right now.
Persephone (to Joseph & Nathaniel): It's alright. I think it's kinda cute…. Oh. Shoot. I should go.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Night. Lemme walk you to the door, I guess. (to Joseph) Heh. Now you're REALLY fucking grinning, you know.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, look at you being all gentlemanly. (to Joseph) It was nice to meet you, Joseph.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Shut the fuck up… I am not. (to Persephone) … It was my pleasure.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. Clearly I been here too fucking long. If I'm not careful, I'll be nearly well mannered.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): So, you're ready to go home, huh? I know the feeling.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah... I am. Everything about me sticks out here, you know? I don't talk right. I don't look right. I don't act right... Back home I had a job, and a place, and friends, a bit of family... I could call Aiden my boyfriend without worrying he was get disowned or some shit. Scary how fast someone can take that away. Not that I'm complaining! I mean, it's been fine here.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): But, it's not your home… Everybody's working on getting you back. Don't worry.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. I know. And shit, it's better than the alternative, isn't it? See you later, Seph. Good luck with the job hunt.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Thanks. If you get bored, I'm sure my Ma could use a hand. I'll see you later.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): I might do that. I'm sure Charles would be THRILLED to see me.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): ... Probably more than he is to see me.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Somehow, I fucking doubt that.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, he runs away every time we're in a room alone. I feel like I have the plague.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): I'm guessing that's more cause of his huge fucking crush on you rather than because he doesn't wanna see you. Come ON, Seph. I know it's not like you haven't noticed.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): I know… The problem is that I think it's mutual.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Well, shit. That is... That is a tricky fucking situation, isn't it?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Yeah, you're telling me. It doesn't help that he's gotten taller while I was gone & looks like he's older than he is.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): And acts like he's fucking older than Mrs. Esterly. I don't fucking envy you. Night. Good luck.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thanks. See you later.
Nathaniel: Damn... Where the hell are you, Aiden?
Outside of a sidewalk café; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Winchester): There you are, Chess! I have been all over the bloody city looking for you.
Winchester (to Aiden): And hello to you too, your lordship… What can I do for you?
Aiden (to Winchester; handing him a photogram): I need you to find and keep this woman occupied for awhile. Don't kill her. She may still serve a purpose. And, watch out for Carver. He may come looking for her.
Winchester (to Aiden): It'll be my pleasure, Wilkes. Heh. Fiona's going to be jealous you didn't call on her for this little project of yours.
Aiden (to Winchester): I'm not sure Fiona is her type. You, however, very much are. Just make sure she's not out hunting skippers.
Winchester (to Aiden): I see. I will do my absolute best. ;-)
Aiden (to Winchester): Thank you.
Winchester: I don't think I've ever seen Wilkes in such a tizzy. It's a nice change of pace.
An hour or so later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Hey. You don't have to stay outside, you know. You can come back into the house.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh. Sorry. I was just looking at the sky… So, that English dude is your boyfriend, huh? That's cool.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): It's alright. You can keep sitting out here if you wanna. Can't really see much of the stars here when it's dark. Too fucking cloudy and polluted. And yeah, Aiden's my boyfriend. This is his place.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): He looks a bit stuffy for you. Shit. Sorry. Eventually, I'll shut the fuck up.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): It's alright. Heh. I used to do the same thing. He's not as stuffy as he acts, believe me. Besides, I'm kinda hysterical, so having someone around who remains levelheaded is good...
Joseph (to Nathaniel): The guy that ran off in a rage is the levelheaded one? Wow.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. Usually. ... There's been... A lot of fucking awful shit has happened, and I think this was just one thing too many.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Oh yeah, Zoe told me you had some fucking trouble & had to leave town for a bit… Heh. And, this is where you went... Now, things are starting to make sense.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. We couldn't stay, or I'd be in some serious One Flew Over the Cockoo's Nest type shit, and Aiden would be in jail. Both of us have had fucking trouble. ... Been bugging him more than he wants to let on. Stiff fucking lip and all that shit.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Heh... I smell food. God, I'm fucking starving.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. Supper's probably just about done. I should see if Mrs. Esterly needs a hand.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): I'll come in with you. No sense staying out here with the smog.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): I know. It's something else, isn't it? I feel like I'm getting cleaner air through the fucking cigarette filter.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): So, there's air pollution but there's robots and airships… This place is fucking amazing.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Heh. You sound like my aunt and uncle. I'd just like to be able to go home. (to Mrs. Esterly) Hey, Mrs. Esterly. What can we do?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Would you set the table please, Nathaniel? You know where everything is. (to Joseph) Joseph, come help me plate the food.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yeah, sure.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Okay. It smells really fucking delicious.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. Thank you dear. Mr. McTavish, the butcher, had some very fine rabbits in this morning.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Is that rabbit stew I'm smelling, Mrs. Esterly?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Yes, dear. I know it's not proper to put the company to work, but I thought it best to keep an eye on Joseph. Hee hee. He still seems to be feeling the effects of his earlier drugging. (to Joseph) Aren't you, dear?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): Yeah… Heh. It's okay. I'm not really that big on proper.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): So I see. Has Nate worn a hole in the carpet pacing, yet?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Not yet. But do be a dear and go let him know you're back. I'm sure he'll be relieved.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Thank you dear.
A moment later, in the dining room:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Here. Let me help you with that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks. ... Come here!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I'm alright. I just went to speak to Ms. Dvorak & then Mr. Fox. He was a bit trickier to track down.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You scared the fucking SHIT outta me, you jackass! You were so goddamned pissed off, and then you didn't say 2 fucking words to me other than, "I'm going to stop Delphine." I thought you were gonna do something stupid. What else was I gonna think?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … I thought you would trust me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh no! Don't you fucking give me that. I trust you more than I trust any other person ever fucking born, and you KNOW that. You are NOT a fucking automaton. You're just as prone to making stupid, shitty mistakes as the rest of us. Treating you like a fucking human being is NOT the same thing as not fucking trusting you. ... And WHAT is so goddamn funny?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I could say the exact same thing to you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Yeah fucking right. No one's ever confused me for a robot. Stop fucking snickering! You're ruining my pissy ass mood!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry for running off without telling you what I was going to do. I honestly didn't know & was afraid you'd talk me out of it. I just knew Delphine had to be called off… I wish I could say it won't ever happen again, but I'd probably be lying. I love you and you have every right to be upset with me… And, you're very sexy when you make that petulant face at me. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'll give you fucking petulant... Look, I'm not asking you not to be fucking you about this stuff. I knew what I was getting into when we started dating. Just don't... Don't storm off without a word. I already worry too fucking much. Not knowing ANYTHING makes me feel like I'm gonna climb the drapes. I know you've got that separation of home and work shit, but you know you can trust me with this shit, right? I can handle it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I do trust you, Nate. But, there are somethings that I don't think you want to hear nor should you be burdened with the knowledge. You've got enough trouble to deal with on your own with this Hiiri business. If I told you, it could potentially put you in more danger. The work I did for crown and country is top secret… Not even Kobayashi knows all the details.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I didn't mean that shit! I just meant... Nevermind. Let's just get the damn table set.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Wait... Come here.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... I'm... I'm sorry I lost my temper.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's alright. I'm sorry I upset you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's alright. Guess it's a good thing you find me sexy when I'm petulant... Is this our first big fucking fight?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I suppose it is… Should we have some champagne or something?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. No. That's alright. Besides, you really wanna see me drunk again?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): When you put it like that... Yes, yes I do. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! Come on, man! I'm belligerent and obnoxious enough for two people sober.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That wasn't really the parts I was referring to.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah, well, I don't need to be drunk to be... What did you call me? Incorrigible?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I believe I did.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh! Heh. Guess you don't have to be drunk either... Aiden. Aiden! Mrs. Esterly and Joseph are in the other fucking room...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So… we should make it quick, then? ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Jesus. If getting into a fight is gonna get you this hot and bothered...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel & Aiden): We're coming into the room, boys! Supper is getting cold. You'll have to make up later.
Aiden: Damn it… Thwarted by Rabbit Stew.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee hee. Joseph dear, avert your eyes, and give Nathaniel and Master Aiden a moment to collect themselves.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Jesus fucking Christ… They were really going to do it right her-- Oh sorry.
Nathaniel (to Joseph & Mrs. Esterly): No! I... I mean...
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Good heavens, dear, if that's enough to shock you, you do need to get out and about a bit more.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. You're probably right.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Of course I am. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Now, you two sit down on your bottoms and eat something.
Joseph: Wow. I feel like I just stepped into some weird British show on PBS.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): I'm not sure what that means, dear.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Sorry. Alternate world stuff, I guess.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am… (to Nathaniel) Sit next to me, Nate. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... I dunno. Can you fucking be trusted?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Do you really want me to behave?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): At the dinner table? Yeah.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): As you wish.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Heh. It gets weirder. Aiden's the son of a lord. Heh. And he says that a lot. (to Mrs. Esterly) PBS is a television station that shows British shows in America.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): How very fucking 'Princess Bride' of him!
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Oh yes! Master Aiden has told me about some of those. (to Joseph) Why didn't you say so, dear?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): I didn't want to have to explain television if you didn't know what it was.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee hee. Well, I can see how that would be difficult. (to Aiden & Nathaniel) Hands on the table, you two!
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Party pooper.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. Yes, yes, I know. (to Nathaniel) Would you like seconds, dear?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um, no thank you. I'm fine.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): What about you, Joseph?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, please.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Thank goodness SOMEONE in this house will let me feed him. Here you are.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you. It's very good. I haven't had a home cooked meal in awhile. It's usually microwaved or takeout.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh my goodness! That is just tragic.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Nah, it's just life. My mom works a lot.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Pssst, let's slip away while she distracted by fattening up Joseph.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I heard that, young man! Hee hee hee. Just go. (to Joseph) Would you help me with the dishes, Joseph?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Esterly, it was indeed delicious as always.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh sure.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Thank you, dear. We should have some cake left if you're interested.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): I might be in a little bit.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you for dinner, ma'am. Sorry for skipping out on the dishes.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee hee. I'm sure you are, dear. Shoo, now!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come on, before she changes her mind.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Lead the way.
