Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe honey, are you feeling okay? You're late for school.
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh, I was hoping to stay home or go in later, Mom. I don't have any tests... I brought Nate over. He wanted to see you guys.
Poppy (to Zoe): Oh well, in that case I'll go fix some breakfast for all of us, honey.
Zoe (to Poppy): Thanks, mom. I'll get cleaned up & come help.
A short time later:
Poppy (to Zoe): Thank you, honey... It seemed like a good idea at the time, to put all the pans in the bottom cabinets. However, bending over is a bit of a problem with your little brother taking up so much space. Heehee.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. Was Victor this much trouble when you were pregnant with him?
Poppy (to Zoe): Probably more so, honey. We were young & he was our first. I was way more stubborn than I am now. And, wanted to be able to continue on with business as usual. I've been a lot more relaxed this time around. Heh. In fact, so has your father. He was an absolute wreck.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heehee...
Vincent (to Poppy & Zoe): Don't go spreading nasty rumors about me. I wasn't an absolute wreck. I was a hysterical mess. :-P
Poppy (to Victor): You were wonderful, lover. There's coffee made & Zoe is helping make breakfast. She brought Nate over to visit. He missed you guys. He's been feeling a bit homesick, I think.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, I'm glad to hear it. Good morning, gorgeous. Awww, Nate has been homesick?
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Yeah. That or he's just bored. He doesn't have much to do over there. Being the kept man of a lord must be really tough work, if he actually misses this side. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Real nice, shortie.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. You know, I'm just teasing. I knew you were there. :-P
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Come here, Nate, and give me a hug. Ignore your cousin.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Hey Aunt Poppy. Wow! So, uh, that's a lot of baby on board, huh?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thankfully, little Lucas will be making his exit in another month or so.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. It is indeed. She looks beautiful, doesn't she? Give me a hug, grumpy puss.
Poppy (to Zoe & Nathaniel): So, what's going on you two? You both seem tense.
Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): Nothing much. Just stupid teenager stuff.
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Vincent): It's, uh, it's my fault. I... I've been kinda paranoid with all this stuff going on. And Ms. Dvorak and Mrs. Esterly were asking me a bunch of questions cause they're trying to figure stuff out.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, no wonder you're rattled. Do you want breakfast with your coffee? Or are you still on a mostly liquid diet, honey? :-P
Nathaniel (to Poppy): I'll take some toast if you have it, thanks. Heh. I've been eating. Mrs. Esterly isn't big on letting me skip meals.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Well, that's good... Here's your toast. So, are you just here for a short visit or can we talk you into staying longer?
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Um, I was just planning on a short visit. I mean, I'm still considered a missing person over here, right?
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Only for a few days more, honey. Aiden's lawyer is a miracle worker. I think you'll be able to come home by next week.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): REALLY? Oh god. I'd... I would really like to come home...
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Are you alright, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Poppy): I'm fine. Heh. Sorry. Just... It's just a relief, is all.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Nate, don't you have that thing I need to get you back for? You know, that thing you didn't want to be late for?
Poppy (to Zoe & Nathaniel): What sort of thing is that, honey?
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Vincent): It's Aiden's fu--, uh, stupid father. He's coming to dinner. I have to make sure I'm out of the way. I told Seph I'd help Charles out with dinner tonight at the Inn.
Poppy (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Oh well then, we shouldn't keep you two too much longer, I suppose.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. Probably not... I can visit everyone properly next week. You know, when I'm home for good.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): I will hold you to that, honey.
Vincent (to Zoe & Nathaniel): You two aren't planning something stupid, are you?
Zoe (to Vincent): Of course not, Dad.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Poppy): No, sir. Heh. I'm way too fucking paranoid to be anything but cautious.
Vincent (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Good. Give us another hug if you two are headed off.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Poppy): I, um, I love you guys. I'll see you next week. (to Zoe) Let's go.
Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): I'll be back shortly. (to Nathaniel) Okay. Here we go!
Meanwhile, onboard the Airship Holden:
Hiiri: HAHAHA, it's working! ... It's time you got yours, you little munchkin brains.
