Kian (to Yukiko): So, you're not planning on being here long, I take it, lass?
Yukiko (to Kian): ... What gives you that idea, Captain O'Malley?
Kian (to Yukiko): I've seen the look before. Plus, the fact that you slept on deck makes me think you don't much like the belly of the ship. Not really ideal for an airship mechanic. Now, be honest, where do you want us to take you? We take on passengers quite often. It won't be a bit of a bother.
Yukiko (to Kian): That's very kind. Really. However, I can't be on a passenger manifest.
Kian (to Yukiko): Who said anything about a manifest? Did you hear those words come out of my mouth? Besides, a tasty crumpet like yourself owing me a favor is payment enough... Though, payment would be appreciated. My crew does tend to blabber. You know pirates.
Yukiko (to Kian): .. Yes, I do. Fine. Here. Half now, the other half when you get me to Shanghai. You can get me there, can't you?
Kian (to Yukiko): Shanghai, really? ... Um, that's going to be a bit tricky, lass. That's Madame Cheng's territory.
Yukiko (to Kian): I know. Can you do it or not?
Kian (to Yukiko): I'll certainly see what we can do.
A couple hours later, at Renfield's; West Piedmont:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey Nate, can I get my usual? (to Raven) What do you want?
Raven (to Marlena & Nathaniel): Oh, just a large coffee with room for cream. (to Marlena) So, seriously, he didn't ask about me, at all?
Marlena (to Raven): Nope. You are barking up the wrong fucking tree. Besides, he's got a girlfriend... At least, I think she's his girlfriend. They seem pretty fucking into each other, anyway. Just trust me. It's not going to fucking happen.
Raven (to Marlena): Well, that's just my luck.
Marlena (to Raven): Gimme a fuckin' break. You've got boys swooning over you left & right. Just cuz one boy isn't into you & you act like it's the end of the world.
Raven (to Marlena): I never said I wasn't a drama queen.
Nathaniel (to Raven): You kidding? It's practically tattooed on your forehead. (to Marlena) Here you go, Stretch.
Raven (to Nathaniel): Heehee... I'd show you what else is tattooed on me, if you weren't into boys.
Marlena (to Raven): Don't be gross, Raven. (to Nathaniel) Thanks for the coffee, Nate.
Raven (to Marlena): You are such a wet blanket.
Nathaniel (to Raven): Yeah. It's a real crying shame. Git the feeling you'd dig mine. (to Marlena) Wouldn't she? ;-)
Raven (to Marlena): Heehee. Mars, is your cousin seriously offering to show me his tattoo? I think I should say yes. ;-P
Marlena (to Nathaniel & Raven): I so do not want to be fucking involved with this conversation and he's my distant cousin... Nate, stop baiting the goth girl.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Sorry. You are too fucking easy to tease, Mars.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, what the fuck ever. (to Raven) Come on, let's get to class.
Raven (to Marlena): I'm coming, grumpy pants. (to Nathaniel) Bye, sexy. Maybe, next time we can have show & tell. :-P
Oliver (to Nathaniel): You shouldn't tease Mars during portfolio review time, Nate. She's stressed out enough as is.
Nathaniel (to Oliver): I know. I know. I'll make it up to her when she can take a fucking joke again.
A short time later, at the Piedmont School of Art & Science; West Piedmont:
Raven (to Victor): Oh hi, Victor. Are you ready for your portfolio review, yet? Mine is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Victor (to Raven): Not even slightly. I still need another three bloody poems. I am SO damn behind.
Raven (to Victor): I'm having a last minute cram session tonight. Wanna join me? Maybe, I can help with the poetry It is my specialty.
Victor (to Raven): Perhaps... it will depend on what I can get done this afternoon. I don't know why I have to bother with the ruddy poetry. Sonnets have been old-fashioned since the damn 1700s.
Raven (to Victor): … Thanks. I'm here on a Poetry scholarship. Nice to know you think what I do is outdated. And, here I was going to ask you to read my short story to make sure it was okay.
Victor (to Raven): Let me guess, sonnets are your specialty. I'm sorry. I'm no bloody good at them, so they annoy me. If you'll look over my awful poetry, I'll read over your short story.
Raven (to Victor): It's a deal. Wanna meet at the library or my place?
Victor (to Raven): Would the library after supper be alright with you?
Raven (to Victor): Sounds perfect.
Victor (to Raven): I'd better get to work then, hadn't I? Cheers!
Raven (to Victor): See ya later.
A few hours later, onboard the airship, The Neptune's Bride:
Kian (to Yukiko): Miss Sato? I'm sorry to say this is as close to Shanghai as we can get.
Yukiko (to Kian): I understand, Captain. Thank you for your assistance. Please, forget you ever saw me.
Kian (to Yukiko): With what you've just paid us, I think we can handle that, lass.
Yukiko: Damn it. Looks like I'm hoofing it for a bit.
Meanwhile, on the Piedmont School of the Arts & Science campus; West Piedmont:
Raven (to Victor): Thanks for the help with the short story.
Victor (to Raven): Thank you for the help with the poetry. Heh. I fear I'm a lost cause with anything other than prose.
Raven (to Victor): I don't think you're a lost cause… You just need the right inspiration.
Victor (to Raven): Believe me, inspiration is NOT the... uhhh, Raven? What are you doing?
Raven (to Victor): I think you need to relax, Victor. You seem really tense about all this portfolio stuff. Besides, no one's around. Come on.
Victor (to Raven): Whoa! WHOA! Raven! Please stop. I'm not... I mean, you're very pretty, but I have a girlfriend.
Raven (to Victor): Really? Is she from Canada?
Victor (to Raven): Canada? No. She's Japanese, and works with my mom. Why would you think she's from Canada?
Raven (to Victor): Meaning she doesn't exist because I've never seen you with her… Besides, I don't want to be your girlfriend, Victor. I don't believe in that sort of thing.
Victor (to Raven): Raven! Hands off! Good God! It doesn't matter if you think Yuki exists or not, or if you want to be my girlfriend or not. I'm asking you to stop.
Raven (to Victor): Fine... You are no fun.
Victor (to Raven): Thank you again for your help. Good night.
Raven (to Victor): ... Bye.
