Onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Zoe: MOM! DAD! I'm back from the inn. Aunt Molly sent breakfast.
Vincent (to Zoe): Good morning my quiet, most tranquil of children. Your mother is seeing to our unexpected guest. She found your friend from from the Black Bart a little worse for wear on the docks last night.
Zoe (to Vincent): My friend? … Do you mean, Felix? Oh shit! Is he okay?
Vincent (to Zoe): I'm sure he's seen better days. There was some sort of fight aboard the Black Bart. Your mom is still trying to get info out of him about exactly what happened. It looks like he was shot and he got a nasty slice across his chest, but it doesn't seem life threatening. He'll be OK, Monster.
Zoe (to Vincent): … Oh. Well, that's good… I'm just going to go make some tea. Aunt Molly sent over some scones and fresh cream to go with.
Vincent (to Zoe): Ooo! That sounds delish. You can go in and check on him if you want, hun. I KNOW you want to.
Zoe (to Vincent): Damn it, Dad. I was trying to be cool. I didn't want to seem too eager.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. If you COULD manage to "play it cool," you'd be the only one in the family with the ability. It's a foreign concept to us Potter-Meriwethers. Like "subtly" and "tact." :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee. I guess I inherited more from you & Mom then I thought, huh?
Vincent (to Zoe): It's both a blessing and a curse, I'm sure. Go. I know you don't want to hang out in here and make small talk with your dad.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thanks! I love you, dad. You're the best!
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Poppy & Felix): Mom, is it safe to come in and see the patient?
Poppy (to Zoe & Felix): Yes, honey. He's all bandaged & resting. I'll leave you two to talk. Pain medicine & bandages are on the table.
Felix (to Zoe): Hello, pretty girl. Nice to see a friendly face. I'm afraid your momma is rather annoyed with me.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh? Why is that?
Felix (to Zoe): I think because I can't tell her what she wants to know. Momma is a sneaky one; did you know that?
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I've heard that about her… You look like shit. What happened to you or am I not supposed to know?
Felix (to Zoe): Let's just say I was not on the winning side.
Zoe (to Felix): So, you got hit by marauders? But, I thought you were marauders… Isn't there some kinda code. Or is that only in books?
Felix (to Zoe): Captain Bartholomew is a privateer. WAS a privateer. Hell, might still be a privateer... He might be old and awful, but he's a damned sneaky old awful bugger... What was I saying?
Zoe (to Felix): You were explaining to me what happened to you.
Felix (to Zoe): Was I? That doesn't sound like something I'd do... Heh heh. Your pretty face must be making me go soft. Privateers can still be targeted, usually by marauders from a competing empire. Or anyone who hasn't got a whole lot of love for the empress... Heh heh. That works out to more who'll target us than those who won't. Engines went out and Captain Bugger didn't trust the only other bloody British ship who offered us a tow. Daft bastard!
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, that's awful. Did you recognize the ship that attacked you?
Felix (to Zoe): No one I knew personally. French if we were to believe the flag, but then... Heh. Pirates do lie, don't they?
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, some more than others… So, how'd you end up back in New London?
Felix (to Zoe): I asked for a favor it looks like I'm going to live to regret owing...
Zoe (to Felix): … You asked Delphine for help, didn't you?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Right on the first guess. She was the only one I could think of who could get me off the Bart. Don't know what happened to the rest of her crew... From what I could tell, they were already gone when I rejoined the land of consciousness.
Zoe (to Felix): … Sounds like your fellow crew members aren't real big on loyalty. If the ship's gone, what are you going to do now?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, we weren't crewing together because we liked each other, pretty girl. We'd all been pressed into service. I'm not sure what it means for me. Heh. I'm sure I'll figure it out as I go along. I usually manage to.
Zoe (to Felix): Okay, tough guy, I'll stop bugging you with questions… I'm glad you're alright. I have to admit that when my dad told me you were hurt, I was worried that it was more serious. I didn't think you'd risk coming onboard, otherwise.
Felix (to Zoe): Your momma didn't give me too many options when she found me last night.
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, she's pretty used to getting her way… Do you need anything? Tea? Something to eat? Sleep?
Felix (to Zoe): I'd love a nice cool pint, and for everything to stop throbbing for a while. Since doesn't seem like that's in the cards, I think getting some rest and a smile from you will have to suffice.
Zoe (to Felix): I think I can handle all that. I may be able to score you a pint later. But you need to get some rest first.
Felix (to Zoe): That sounds like a square deal. Thank you, pretty girl. And thank Momma for her help as well.
Zoe (to Felix): I will. Take it easy… Just give a holler if you need anything.
A little while later:
Poppy (to Felix): So, how's the patient feeling? I'm quite surprised Zoe isn't sitting in here with you.
Felix (to Poppy): She thought it best to let me get some sleep, ma'am.
Poppy (to Felix): I see… Well, I'm sorry to say that I'm not going to be that nice, honey. It would seem that you're going to be with us for a bit, at least, while you recuperate. I think it's only fair, you tell me a little about yourself.
Felix (to Poppy): I wouldn't want to bore you with such... Ow. That hurts quite a bit, Ms Meriwether. Should I consider that a point well made?
Poppy (to Felix): Yes, honey, I believe you should. While I find your bravado and cavalier attitude quite delightful, you are clearly interested in my daughter in some capacity. So, you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little overly curious about her current suitor. And since, you're going to be aboard our ship & I have stitched you back together, I think I deserve the smallest bit of reassurance that you can be trusted. So, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, honey… Choose wisely.
Felix (to Poppy): Well, I'd rather not do anything the hard way if there's an easier option, that's for certain. Your daughter already filled you in on my name and my --former-- ship. I was working on a ship in the Caribbean when Captain Bartholomew, er, suggested I join his crew. I was with the Black Bart about seven months.
Poppy (to Felix): Well, that's all interesting, honey. Where do you come from? Where's your family?
Felix (to Poppy): I was born in the colonies. One of a big brood by this time, I imagine. My mother sold me to a mill for labor when I was a boy. Heh. I never was any good at staying in one place. I thought working on a ship in the warm tropics sounded much nicer than freezing in a factory in the New England settlement. I couldn't tell you where any of the family is now, I'm afraid. Is there anything else you'd like to know, Missus?
Poppy (to Felix): I can appreciate that, honey. I doubt you'll tell me the truth, honey. But, what are your intentions towards Zoe?
Felix (to Poppy): Heh... No intentions, Momma Bear. Your daughter's an interesting young lady with whom I was happy to spend some time. I'm not trying to con her, or rob her of anything, or convince her to run away in the night.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee, I'm not worried about that sort of thing, honey. I doubt you could convince her to do any of those things. I'm more wondering, if you have had your fill of spending time with her or you're looking to spend more… I've seen the way you look at each other. If you don't plan on carrying on with her, could you do me the kindness of telling her straight away? She's a strong, smart girl, she'll be able to handle it. I just don't want you getting her hopes up, ok?
Felix (to Poppy): Oh. That... Heh heh. That wasn't what I was expecting to hear.
Poppy (to Felix): What were you expecting, honey?
Felix (to Poppy): "If you come anywhere near my daughter, I will rip out all those stitches I gave you with my bare hands." Or some variation of the theme along those lines.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. Well, I thought that was implied, honey. I have learned that Zoe is going to do what she's going to do whether I agree with her decisions or not. So, if you like her or don't like her, please just tell her. Now, I'm going to go fix some lunch.
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. That doesn't surprise me. Duly noted, ma'am.
Meanwhile, in the galley:
Vincent (to Zoe): Hello, sweetie. Oof! What's the hug for, Monster?
Zoe (to Vincent): Cuz, I'm glad you're not a privateer or marauder… The Black Bart was attacked by an airship flying French colors. When Felix woke up, the crew was gone & he's not quite sure if Captain Bartholomew is dead or not. Apparently, he was press-ganged into service. And, he called in a favor from Delphine to get brought back to New London. Is there anything we can do to help him? And, by we, I mean you and Mom.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. That's what I assumed you meant, hun. If he wants us to, we're certainly willing to do anything we can to help. So?
Zoe (to Vincent): What is it, Dad? I was just thinking that I'm not sure he'll actually ask for help.
Vincent (to Zoe): No, he's suspicious enough to give your cousin a run for his money. That's not what I was so-ing at you about and you know it.
Zoe (to Vincent): … I can't really think of what you mean, Dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): I meant "so," as in, "so, my darling daughter of mine, what's going on with the two of you?"
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh that… To be honest, I'm not sure. Part of me wants to like him & part of me doesn't trust him. It's kinda confusing. But, I'm not going to swoon after him or anything, so don't worry.
Vincent (to Zoe): You're not going to swoon much, you mean. :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): … Was I swooning? Wait. Are you teasing me, Dad?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Maybe just a little. I'm worried about you, hun. I know how easy it is to get knocked off your feet by a handsome man with a nice smile, especially when you're feeling unsure and bad about yourself. Especially, ESPECIALLY when he looks a ridiculous amount like your ex. Besides, I believe as your father, I am allowed to fuss over you, & glare suspiciously at all men within a 100 foot radius of you. :-p
Zoe (to Vincent): Don't worry, Dad, I'm not about to run off with him or anything. He may be Colin's counterpart but his appearance is where the similarities end. And, I love you for being concerned and overprotective of me when it comes to boys.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. Of COURSE I am, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): Was it you or Mom that gave Victor the third degree when he told you guys about him wanting to move in with Yuki? Do you draw straws or is it Roshambo?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. We don't do anything like that, sweetie. We know which one of us can break you kids. Your mom gets Victor and Nate. I get you. We'll have to see who does better with Lucas. We may need to get your aunts and uncles involved for him...
Zoe (to Vincent): … That is extremely disturbing, Dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): What? By the time the Lucas is old enough to be third-degreed, I assume you and your brother will have already taught him all our parental tricks of the trade. We'll need to be three times as sneaky.
Zoe (to Vincent): Heh. We're going to write a book for him. :-P
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): Goodness, sweeties, it's awfully crowded in this kitchen. What's going on?
Zoe (to Poppy): Dad was grilling me about Felix and Lucas is chewing on a biscuit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. She's currently narrating a list of Horrible Parental Tricks we'll use on him when he gets old enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh my… Did you tell her our standing parental strategy, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy & Zoe): Hee hee hee. When all else fails we fetch my sister and Eep? :-P
Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): We'll never get her to listen to us now, lover… Heh. I suddenly understand why some animals kill their mates after they have babies. :-P
Zoe (to Poppy): MOM! That's terrible.
Poppy (to Zoe): I'm just teasing, honey. Your father knows perfectly well that I would be devastated if he were gone...
Vincent (to Zoe): Don't worry, Monster. She won't try to kill me. She knows how time-consuming and futile a task that can be. :-P (to Poppy) Hee hee hee. I know you're utterly mad for me for better or worse.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's true, lover.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): … I'm gonna go put Lucas down for his nap, if you're going to start making goggly eyes at each other.
Vincent (to Zoe): These aren't the goggly eyes I make at your mother. THESE are the goggly eyes I make at her. (to Poppy) C'mere, gorgeous.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. It seems like days since you made eyes like that at me, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Days? Impossible! It's been no more than hours at the most. (to Zoe) Close the door behind you! :-P
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): … Oh, barf. I am so getting out of here. See, Lucas, what did I tell you? They're so weird.
An hour or so later:
Zoe (to Felix): Felix, are you awake? I brought you that pint. Sorry it took me so long. I had to put my little brother down for his nap.
Felix (to Zoe): Hmmm? Oh! Well, thank you. I didn't think you'd really grab one for me. Thank you, pretty girl. Just let me... Heh heh. Give me a moment to get myself upright, and I'll be more than happy to take it from you...
Zoe (to Felix): I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I can come back later… Only, my bunk is above this one & I was going to read in it. Mom & Dad are having some "alone time" in the galley and we were supposed to be making a delivery later today… There's not a lot of places to hang out onboard.
Felix (to Zoe): It's alright. You're not bothering me. Heh. I think that injection Momma gave me earlier is wearing off, so moving is a bit tough. There we go. I'm more or less upright.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Here you are, one pint of ale as per requested. You want to watc-- I mean, read anything?
Felix (to Zoe): Well, that'd be fine, but I'm afraid I don't read very well. I never really had the time to learn.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed. If you want me to stop bugging you & let you sleep, just tell me.
Felix (to Zoe): Who knows? Maybe I'll have the time now. Your Momma Bear came to talk to me earlier.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh? About what or do I even want to know?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Mostly about what circumstances could have possibly wrought such a charming man. And partly about you, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh shit! Did she give you the 'don't fuck with my little girl' speech? … I am so sorry. No one should have to go through that.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha! No, not exactly. She told me to tell you plainly if I'm interested in you or not, because you were very likely to do exactly as you wished no matter what she told you or me. She said the threat of ripping out my stitches was implied. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… I don't know what to say.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Your mom thinks highly of you, doesn't she? ...So, you don't want to know what I think?
Zoe (to Felix): Of course, I want to know.
Felix (to Zoe): ... ell, it's like this, pretty girl. I like spending time with you. Heh. You certainly don't bore me, and I'm willing to spend as much time with you as you're willing to give, but it's nothing beyond that. I don't stay in one place for longer than I can help it, and I've got no interest in leaving behind broken promises or angry ladies when I leave. If that's amenable to you, I'll be all smiles. If not, then we can say we've had a lovely time and leave it there.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… Well, you managed to say a lot without really telling me anything. I really enjoyed the other night. Hell, I'd like to do it again, preferably a bunch more. But, I'm not really a casual dater & if you were really into me, I doubt you'd be so blasé about it. And, I can totally relate to the whole wandering bug, my whole family can, we live on an airship for a reason. I was hoping we could get to know each other better but, it sounds like you only want a fuck buddy. And, honestly, I have way more self-esteem & deserve a whole lot better than something like that. So, I guess we shake & call it a day.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. As you say then, pretty girl. We'll leave it at "we had a lovely time" then.
Zoe (to Felix): I guess so… So, can I ask a weird question?
Felix (to Zoe): As long as you're not expecting the truth, of course. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): Was it the sex? Was it really bad or something? I won't be offended, I'm just curious. I mean, I realize that I'm probably not that experienced in comparison to the other women you've hooked up with, but shit. I've never been relegated to a casual thing before. It's a first for me.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. That doesn't surprise me. There's nothing casual about you. ...It wasn't the sex. That was more enjoyable than almost all I've had. And you can believe that. I've got no angle here. You've already turned me down, and even if you'd said yes, I can't do much that's interesting in this state, can I? It isn't you or anything you did, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, the old 'it isn't you, it's me' thing… Look, don't worry about it. In the end, it's your loss. Heh. You think I'm interesting now and you haven't even seen the good stuff. Let's just shake on it & I'll get out of your hair. I've got a book to read up in my bunk.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You say that like I didn't already know it's my loss.
Zoe (to Felix): … Damn you! When you say shit like that, it makes me want to change my mind and kiss you. Jerk.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Well, if I were made for old bones, you and I would be having a different conversation, wouldn't we? But, I'm not. So we aren't. You'd best get to your book, and let me get some sleep. There's only so much behaving I can be expected to do. If you don't scoot, I'll say something even more charming. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): Sleep sweet.
Meanwhile, on the bridge:
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Knock, knock. Shouldn't you people put better locks on this airship?
Poppy (to Jacob): Professor! What brings you onboard… unannounced?
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Teen angst & heartbreak. Colin wanted me to bring Zoe a box of things she left at our place. And, since I was on my way to the palace I thought I'd kill two birds… Heh. I see things never change with you two.
Poppy (to Jacob): Oh, the dreaded purge of all reminders of lost love, honey. How's he holding up?
Vincent (to Jacob): It's my wife's fault entirely. No one should look that good post-baby. :-P
Jacob (to Vincent): Well, she does look amazing… (to Poppy) He's doing better. I'm just glad they didn't date for too long or it would be much worse.
Poppy (to Jacob & Vincent): You both are terrible liars… And, I'm glad Colin's doing better.
Vincent (to Poppy): We are hardly liars, madam. And you KNOW it. (to Jacob) Poor kid. How is everything that doesn't involve teen angst, Professor?
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Same old, same old… Except for a movie studio wants to buy the rights to the Sebastian Dearheart series and I told them I had to think about it… They're thinking of turning them into more adventure, less romance but I thought I should talk to you before I agreed. Robert has been teasing me about it for days.
Poppy (to Jacob): Heehee. You will never be rid of those books. I want front row seats at the premiere, honey!
Vincent (to Jacob): What?! Really? Ha ha ha! Professor, that's WONDERFUL news. That could keep you and the family comfortable for years. I certainly don't mind if you don't. I have a few suggestions for casting if you're interested. ;-P
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Really, you don't mind? I just can't believe that out of all the books I've written, it always come back to that particular series. I've written much better books since then.
Poppy (to Jacob): Calm down, Jacob… They were such trashy fun & so melodramatic. They're perfect for movies.
Vincent (to Jacob): Hee hee. She's right, hun. Literature is all fine and good, but sometimes people just want to have a bit of fun. Besides, look at the source material. :-P (to Poppy) Hee hee. Don't swing at me, woman! You might damage my movie star face.
Poppy (to Jacob & Vincent): Jacob honey, do not let him anywhere near the set or the script. The consequences would be terrible.
Vincent (to Jacob & Poppy): Hee hee. Well, it might turn into a WHOLE other kind of movie. Which would keep to the source material at least.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Heh. Alright. I'll tell my agent to move forward with the deal when I get home. So, how's the family?
Poppy (to Jacob & Vincent): The family is doing fine, honey, thanks for asking. OH! I hate to scoot you off the ship but we have company.
Vincent (to Jacob & Poppy): Oh dear. So we do. The pirate, you-don't-really-want-to-know kind of company.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Really? I thought you didn't truck with that kind of pirate.
Poppy (to Jacob & Vincent): Heehee, Vincent is getting more ruthless-- I can't even finish that sentence. Look, honey, it's a long story.
Vincent (to Jacob & Poppy): A long, complicated, confusing story.
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Well, far be it from me to ask you to explain this long, complicated story. I'll just head off for my appointment at the palace.
Poppy (to Jacob): Sorry, honey. You know, how it is. Give our love to the family.
Vincent (to Jacob): And say hello to the Empress for us.
Poppy (to Jacob & Vincent): Oh yes, we MUSTN'T forget to do that, honey.
Vincent (to Jacob & Poppy): Hee hee. Not if I want her to continue to keep my name off the hangman's list. :-P
Jacob (to Poppy & Vincent): Heh. I'll see you guys later.
Vincent (to Jacob): Later, tater! Stop by again soon.
A moment later:
Poppy (to Vincent): … That was a very close call, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens, don't I KNOW it? This whole thing is complicated enough without one of Colin's fathers getting involved.
Poppy (to Vincent): First loves are always rough, honey… Should we give this to Zoe?
Vincent (to Poppy): Awww, look at the stuff he sent back. Poor boy...
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Should you give what to Zoe? Is it a present? Oooo, did you get me a pet?
Vincent (to Zoe): You have that bloody squirrel that likes making a nest in my hair, and you want ANOTHER pet?
Zoe (to Vincent): Risu is a sweetheart & she loves you… And I could always use another pet.
Poppy (to Zoe): I still don't know how you managed to sneak aboard that ship and steal her or what on earth possessed you to do it, honey.
Vincent (to Zoe): Somehow, I disagree... Jacob just stopped by and dropped off this box, sweetie.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. I knew she was there. (to Vincent) Oh… Judging by your faces, it's not a good box, is it?
Poppy (to Zoe): It depends on how you look at it, honey.
Vincent (to Zoe): Colin sent these things over.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Can you just throw it out? I don't really want it. I think I've had enough of stupid boys for one day.
Vincent (to Zoe & Poppy): How about we put it somewhere out of the way, and you can go through it later to see if you want any of it.
Zoe (to Vincent): Whatever… I'm going to go stay with Seph for a few days, if that's ok?
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, did something happen?
Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): No! Yes! Maybe… It's not something I want to talk about with you guys. If that's ok with you? It's just odd.
Vincent (to Zoe): ..Well, alright, sweetie. We're not going to force your hand if you don't want to discuss it. Of course we have to check with Bernard and Molly to make sure it's alright that you stay.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Dad, she's been living on her own at Aiden's house… You don't want me to go, do you?
Vincent (to Zoe): Damn! I forgot. And there goes my perfectly reasonable lie.
Poppy (to Zoe & Vincent): Honestly, honey, we could use an extra pair of hands. We've got deliveries to make & this is what we do.
Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): So, you're going to make me stay?
Poppy (to Zoe): Sorry, honey… (to Vincent & Zoe) Oops, and there's Lucas. I need to get him fed & changed. Talk to your daughter, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Chicken. :-P (to Zoe) We need you to stay, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): Fine. Then, can I sleep on the bridge or in the cargo hold until Felix is gone?
Vincent (to Zoe): You can sleep in the hammocks in the bridge if you want, hun. What happened?
Zoe (to Vincent): … Felix told me that he's not made for old bones & that he'd enjoy spending as much time with me as I'd like to but it couldn't be more than that. Because, he doesn't like to stay in one spot for too long. And then, he said if he was made for growing old we'd be having an entirely different conversation… I told him that I deserved a better offer than that. I'll get over it. I'm just irritated at the moment.
Vincent (to Zoe): Which is entirely true. But it doesn't mean it doesn't sting like hell, does it?
Zoe (to Vincent): Yep… And then having Colin sending over that box. Well, that was just the icing on the cake. So, apparently, I'm attracted to him in two realities - one is totes normal & I break his heart and the other is totes interesting but wants to be casual. I am seriously rethinking that whole nun option again.
Vincent (to Zoe): Well, sweetie. You have the wardrobe for it. :-P
Zoe (to Vincent): … I know it's dumb, but he makes my heart skip a beat. I know that I made the right decision but, now I'm regretting it a bit.
Vincent (to Zoe): Look at it this way, you know the kind of boy you can't--or don't want--to date, and that's knowledge that's worth having. Colin is a sweet, handsome boy. He'll be fine, and he'll find someone who really, really, REALLY wants to be with him. And Felix... Well, I've been where he is, sweetie. He's not ready for anyone or anything serious until he decides he wants to be around for it. Being young, feeling like you don't belong anyplace, and being a pirate makes you more than a bit dumb.
Zoe (to Vincent): I'll go grab my stuff from my bunk and setup in the cargo hold.
Vincent (to Zoe): OK, sweetie. Give me a hug. For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for doing the right thing.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thanks… Why is it that doing the right thing always kinda sucks?
Vincent (to Zoe): Because if it were easy, everyone would do it. :-P
A little while later:
Zoe: Get down from there, stupid fucking blanket… Why did it seem easier putting this stuff up here than taking it down? Oops. Shit… (to Felix) Sorry… I'll be out of here in a minute and then you can go back to sleep.
Felix (to Zoe): It's fine. Just... Could you get off me? Not that this wouldn't normally be enjoyable, but the stitches are still a bit sore.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh right… Sorry. I fell off the damn ladder trying to pull the blanket… You don't care about that… I'm almost done.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... Ouch... I think you might be made of nothing but steel and angles under your skin, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): So, I've been told… You know, if you want me to get out of this bunk you have to let go of my waist. And, please stop calling me that. My name is Zoe.
Felix (to Zoe): Alright, alright! Sorry, Zoe. Hands are... Hands are behind my head and out of your way.
Zoe (to Felix): Good. Thank you. I've just gotta grab my pillow & then, you can get back to doing whatever you were doing. I'm going to be sleeping in the cargo hold while you're here.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? Heh. I suppose I can't blame you. Don't worry, a few more hours and I should be off your airship. I should be able to be up and about by then. I can't remember the last time I spent this much time in bed...
Zoe (to Felix): Uh huh… Oh, um, my Dad said that if you wanted any help dealing with Delphine, finding work or anything, they'd help you out. It wouldn't be the first time they helped someone in a bad situation.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? Heh. Well, I would surely appreciate that, but I'm not sure I could afford it. I seem to be out of a job.
Zoe (to Felix): What? They don't charge for that sort of thing. They just help folks because it's the right thing to do.
Felix (to Zoe): ... If you say so.
Zoe (to Felix): Which is code for 'I doubt it. Everything comes with a price.' Fine. Be that way. No wonder you don't like to actually have real relationships with people. That would mean you'd have to trust someone. And, God forbid, Mister Tough Guy would have to do anything like that. It's so much better to keep everyone at arms length, live recklessly & die alone.
Felix (to Zoe): Some of us get that decision made pretty early on for us, you know. The truth is that I can barely keep myself sorted out. I don't think there's anything wrong with not wanting to pull someone else down with me.
Zoe (to Felix): So, because someone made that decision for you, you feel it necessary to make that decision for someone else? Besides, what if someone simply wants to help pull you up or at least offer a lifeline?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Heh. I don't have a response to that. Generally speaking, people don't care enough to try.
Zoe (to Felix): … Well, I care.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I don't have a response to that either. It's probably not smart, pre--Zoe. You should find a nice boy to care about.
Zoe (to Felix): Been there, done that… It didn't go so well. He turned out to be a little bit too well-adjusted for me.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Oh... Ouch. Heh. You can't make me laugh like that. I'll ruin all your mother's good work. I've had girls say this sort of thing before, you know. They get this look in their eyes that says they're going to save me. Heh. A handsome pet pirate in the stables; they've written the whole story in their heads...
Zoe (to Felix): Whoa! Calm down. I'm not trying to fucking save you. I'm offering to help you help your own damn self. You're going to have to do the work. I'm going to essentially lie by the pool, drink fancy cocktails with umbrellas, & give words of encouragement.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You didn't let me finish. I was going to say they don't know what it's like to survive being more lonely and desperate than a man should be able to endure, and then to be told you need saving from yourself.. But I get the impression you do.
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, you could say that… I was on my own for awhile before my Mom & Dad took me in. And, some very bad people were after me.
Felix (to Zoe): I can appreciate that. Momma Bear and Poppa aren't your originals?
Zoe (to Felix): Actually, they are in a manner of speaking. But it's a really weird, complicated story. You probably don't want to hear it.
Felix (to Zoe): Just when I think I've got you all sorted out in my head... Heh.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh? You thought you had me figured out, did ya? I am like a puzzle, wrapped inside a riddle, covered with a candy coating. :-P You know, I really like it when you talk straight with me. Don't get me wrong I liked the flowery compliments & the poetic verbal dance you do, but it's nice to see what's underneath.
Felix (to Zoe): You like trying to shut me up, don't you?
Zoe (to Felix): No, I actually really like listening to you. You have a nice voice… And, on that note, I should go before I do something inappropriate.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Then you shouldn't say things I've got no witty repartee. Good night.
Zoe (to Felix): Good night. Sleep sweet.
