Yukiko (to Fiona): Good morning, Fi. What are you fixing in here? … Are you cooking?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Don't sound so bloody shocked. I DO know how to wash myself and prep meals. Where did you run off to last night?
Yukiko (to Fiona): Up top to the house. I needed the fresh air. It got to be a bit too much down here for my taste… You know how it is. So, still in love with this rabbit hole?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Oh, Yuki! It is GORGEOUS. There are tunnels that go all over the city. I'd never have to see man, woman or child again if the mood struck me. I want to marry this bunker and impregnate it with my babies.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. I'm sure you two will be very happy together… Is there anything to drink in this hole?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Just tea and water. We'll have to get some proper supplies soon. Or, we could as a certain young man to fetch us some so we don't get spotted while we're supposed to be in Singapore. :-P
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh, can you get a hold of Mister Fox down here? ;-P
Fiona (to Yukiko): If I got my hands on Fox again, I wouldn't be wasting perfectly good snogging time making him fetch me tea and eggs. Came to check on you last night, you know. I know how you are can be about tight spaces. You looked just fine to me.
Yukiko (to Fiona): That was awfully nice of you… It was just kissing… So, don't get all excited.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Didn't imply there was more, did I? Eat your ruddy eggs. I'm not all excited... Heh heh. Well, maybe a wee bit. Can't blame me. This is the first bloke you haven't tried to cut open for even daring to intrude upon your personal space.
Yukiko (to Fiona): … He's very sweet. Probably, a bit too sweet. And, you can't blame me for being hesitant. The last two men I had any sort of relationship with I had to kill. I don't want to get too attached. It just never seems to work out.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha! Who said "relationship"? You don't do what we do and settle down with a nice little house and mate and a dog. You either get yourself killed, or you kill too many people, or you do what Wilkes did, and get yourself out. That's the way of it. I was talking about getting yourself sorted, girl. Do a damn world of goods for your nerves. :-P
Yukiko (to Fiona): Very funny… That's how I keep my edge. ;-P
Fiona (to Yukiko): That what we're calling it these days? "Your edge." Suit yourself, Kobayashi. I was just trying to find something with which you can occupy yourself for a few days. You keep your edge instead.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh... Are you really suggesting that I shag Victor?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Victor. Victoria. Anyone you bloody well want. I'm suggesting you enjoy yourself a bit more. We aren't made for old bones. No point dallying about. And no point punishing yourself either. Things needed doing, and you were the one to do them.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. Fine. You may be right… Shall I go see if I can get us some supplies? I'm sure you've got a list.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Don't I always? Here. Already got one written up. Never you mind if you can't find the blowtorch. I can make due. I've got questions to ask. Then, I'm going to explore these tunnels a bit more. Hee hee. I was at it all night.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heehee. You're like a kid in a candy store… I'll try not to be too long.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Take your time. We're here 'til I learn what I need to know.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Alright.
A short time later, onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Yukiko (to Victor): … You know someone could sneak on this ship very easily, Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): BWUAH! Oh! Yukiko! I didn't catch you with the... Heh. I didn't come anywhere near you, did I? Whoo! You startled me. I was just degunking the engine. My dad isn't topside? ...He totes wandered off, didn't he?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Sorry… And no, I didn't see your father when I was wandering about looking for you. I was wondering if you could help me gather up some supplies for Fiona & I? I've got a list and money. She thinks we're going to be hunkered down for a bit while she makes her inquiries.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! Yes, of course. Let me get changed, and I'll be happy to help. Heh It would serve my father right to let him finish this.
Yukiko (to Victor): Shall I wait topside for you while you change?
Victor (to Yukiko): Where ever you like. I'll be back in a bit.
Yukiko (to Victor): … I'll be up top. See you shortly.
A little while later:
Victor (to Yukiko): Sorry to keep you waiting. That grease had a bit more gumption than I was anticipating. I left a note for my father letting him know what I was up to. He's off at the pub, unsurprisingly.
Yukiko (to Victor): It was no trouble… I was-- Nevermind. Damn that Fiona for sticking her crazy notions in my head. Shall we go get supplies?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Um, yes, of course. What do you need?
Yukiko (to Victor): Here's the list… Fiona says she can make do without the blowtorch, if it's too hard to find.
Victor (to Yukiko): Well, no... I mean, I know where you can get one, but do you really WANT her to have a blowtorch?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. I would trust her with a blowtorch more than most. But, if you want to make an excuse for not getting it, it'll be fine.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. You don't think I know where to get one, do you? Care to make a wager on it?
Yukiko (to Victor): … Heh. You're awfully daring. Fine. I'll bet you. What's the prize?
Victor (to Yukiko): I dunno. What have you got to offer? Heh heh. Um, sorry. I couldn't resist. Let's see... Um... Let me take you out for a night.
Yukiko (to Victor): What? Like on a date?
Victor (to Yukiko): Sure. Why not?
Yukiko (to Victor): I don't really date under normal circumstances. It's not really encouraged but I'm sure one date won't hurt. It's a deal...
Victor (to Yukiko): Excellent! So what do you want? In the unlikely scenario I can't find a blowtorch, name your prize.
Yukiko (to Victor): I don't know. You seem very confident that you can find one… How about you have to do something for me of my choosing?
Victor (to Yukiko): What? You want me to agree to some mysterious yet-to-be-named favor? Heh. No way! Do I look that stupid? Don't answer that. Unless the answer is, "No, Victor. You're actually a smart, good-looking guy." Then feel free.
Yukiko (to Victor): But, you seem so sure that you'll be able to find a blowtorch. I think it's only fair. And, I DO think you're a smart, good-looking guy.
Victor (to Yukiko): ...You're just trying to get me to agree. I know this trick. Alright. It's a deal. But, only because I'm POSITIVE I can find a blowtorch, and then you're stuck on a date with me while I gloat all night. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Lucky me.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Let's go find Ms. McGillivray a blowtorch.
Yukiko (to Victor): Lead the way.
Meanwhile, at Renfield's; West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Mrs. Est... Uh, I mean, Emma? Can I speak to you for a minute, ma'am?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Sure, Nate. Heh. You go away for two weeks and you totally forgot how much I hate being called ma'am. I guess Britannia will do that to you... So, freaking crusty & formal. What's up?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Right. Of course. I, uh, I hate to say this, but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to be retrained.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Oh okay... Honestly, I suspected as much when you tried to do destroy the espresso machine... So, what's going on? Hate the job & want to quit but you don't want to tell me? You went back in time & you're a past you & don't know what you're doing? Or is it simply you've been gone for two weeks and you forgot everything because you had a housekeeper cooking for you?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): No, ma'am. It was Hiiri. She went back 3 years, and changed the timeline. Zoe and I went back and fixed it, but cause we were the ones who did it, I don't quite remember how things are here. I, uh, I didn't work here in the other timeline.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heehee... Is that all? You know, you're lucky you have me for a boss. Anyone else would have thrown you in the loony bin for a story like that... Also, Vincent told me. So, you can stop looking so shocked. He said you might be a bit off for awhile. So, do you actually want to work here?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): If you don't mind having me, ma... Emma. I remember really liking this job. I just need to get re-acclimated to...shit. To everything I guess. I been kinda having a bit of culture shock coming back here.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'll bet. I remember what it was like when I came back both times... You know, you can try something else if you want. Just because this was the job you used to have, doesn't mean you have to keep doing it. You're a different person, it's not unreasonable to think that you'll be interested in different things.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Yeah. I guess so. I dunno what else I might wanna do. Heh. All my current skill sets seem to be fucking useless on this side.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Hmmm. Well, we could use a new bouncer at the club. Jasper wants to pick up a couple shifts working behind the bar... I mean, I can't promise you anything, I'm only a partner, but I'm sure I could talk Sasha into it. He's been teaching his son the ropes & could use some good staff people.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Actually, I would like that. THAT I feel like I can handle. If you don't mind. And, uh... Would you mind retraining me all the same. I've got this shit in my head, and it kinda drives me fucking nuts, that I can't fucking do it.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Okay. Retraining I can do & I'll see about the bouncer position... It'll be fine. Come on, we've got work to do.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. I'm afraid you're gonna have your work cut out for you, ma'am. Shit... Sorry. I keep doing that.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): I'm going to throw something at you every time you say that. :-P
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. Fair enough. Sorry. Old habit. I won't tell you what used to happen if I forgot to call Hiiri or the Director ma'am or sir.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): ... I'm fairly certain I know.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): ... Yeah. Guess you do. You got over that shit eventually though, right?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): I think as much as anyone could... I haven't crossed over in years, though. The last time Vincent tried to take me, I had a panic attack. It was right after Gabe was born. I was so freaked about being stuck there again, that I haven't tried to go back ever since. But, all the other stuff righted itself, so don't worry. You'll get the hang of it, again.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I hope so, cause I feel like I'm going fucking nuts right now.
A few hours later, on the streets; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Yukiko): I cannot believe that there is not a blowtorch to be had in this bloody town. Who else besides us needs one?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee... Are we going to call it quits?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm FAR too stubborn to give up just yet! There's one last place I want to try. Oh... Unless, I'm boring you.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh no, not at all. Watching this has been very educational and humorous. Heehee... I'm willing to let you off the hook, if you want.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm glad my failure has been entertaining at least. OK, if Mr. Dickens doesn't have what we need, I will admit defeat. Shit... Heh. Looks like you win. I am out of luck. You don't have to let me off the hook. Heh. If I had won, I totes would held you to the bet. I'm yours to command. Unless you ask me to do something particularly insane. :-p
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh. To be honest, I hadn't really thought of anything. You seemed so sure that you were going to win.
Victor (to Yukiko): No kidding. I was completely sure I was going to win. Heh. I guess you're spared from having to endure an entire day of listening to me gloat.
Yukiko (to Victor): It is quite a blessing... However, I have to confess. I picked up a blowtorch at the first place we went.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! You stacked the deck! That is dirty pool, you know. Ha ha ha! Well, damn. It's my own fault for not noticing, I suppose.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. I'm sorry... I was enjoying the opportunity to hang out with you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? I liked hanging out with you too. I, uh, I don't suppose I could talk you into going out on a date with me, could I?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh well, you did technically win the bet and I would really like to, but... It might not be such a good idea, Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Is it the suit? Are you worried I'll ask you wear another fluffy dress? :-P Heh. I'm just kidding. I know having too much of a personal life is discouraged. I grew up around this stuff, remember? If you don't want to, I understand, but I, um... Well, I really enjoyed today, so I had to ask.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's not that I don't want to. Heh. Honestly, I want to do a lot of things with you. But, I don't have a very good history with men. And, you're very sweet & seem really nice. You should find a sweet, nice girl to date.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I've gone on enough dates with nice, sweet girls to know they bore me to tears, and you definitely do not bore me. If you want to, I think you should. Of course, I'm horribly biased.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... You're very sexy when you're trying to be persuasive... Alright, yes. I'd like to go on a date with you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Really? Excellent! You'll have fun. Or, it won't be too painful at least. Heh. I should get back to the Falcon.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh right.
Victor (to Yukiko): We should get your supplies back to the bunker first. We can take the shortcut. Grab my hand.
Yukiko (to Victor): Okay...
A moment later, at the Longfellow bunker; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Victor): Do you really have to go? I bought a nice bottle of saké & it seems a shame to drink it alone.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Um. Heh. Well, I think I could spare some time... I certainly wouldn't mind encroaching on your hospitality some more.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm happy to hear that. You can set the supplies here. C'mon... I fixed up the attic a little bit.
