Onboard the recently acquired airship; The docks, New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, how were your brothers while we were gone?
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. They were both fine, mom. Are you going to tell me what happened?
Poppy (to Zoe): Not at the moment, honey. We simply planted a seed and we're waiting to see if it grows into anything useful.
Victor (to Poppy & Zoe): Mom! You're back. We were starting to get worried about you.
Poppy (to Victor & Zoe): Sorry it took us so long, honey. We got held up… Wong Fei Hung was insistent that we be his guest for a bit. He seemed to take a REAL shine to your father.
Victor (to Poppy & Zoe): Oh god... What did Dad do? Does he need stitches again?
Poppy (to Victor & Zoe): Heehee. Thankfully, no. He just couldn't keep his mouth shut, as per usual, honey. He's just a little sore.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. Well, I guess that's good.
Vincent (to Poppy, Zoe & Victor): I'll have you know, I CAN keep my mouth shut. I just choose not to. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): I will believe it when I see it, lover. ;-P
Victor (to Poppy, Zoe & Vincent): I'm going to start hiding rolls of duct tape on the ship. Do you want me to get you some ice?
Poppy (to Victor): Heh. That's not such a bad idea, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy, Zoe & Victor): Worry warts. I'm barely even bruised. Oops... There's the littlest one. I'll get him.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, lover. (to Victor & Zoe) So, what's been going on with you two while we were gone?
Victor (to Poppy): Cleaning, more cleaning, trying to find all the parts of the bloody ship that are held together with string. Did I mention we've been cleaning? They staffed this ship with genetically modified pig men, didn't they?
Poppy (to Victor & Zoe): Heehee. I'm so sorry I missed it, honey. Have you come up with a name for it, yet?
Zoe (to Victor & Poppy): Oooooh, I have an idea… Oh wait, no. You probably don't want to call it that. Nevermind.
Victor (to Zoe): What is it?
Zoe (to Victor & Poppy): Oh, um… The Wicked Sister?
Poppy (to Zoe & Victor): I like it. What do you think, Victor?
Victor (to Poppy & Zoe): I like it. I like it quite a bit, actually.
Zoe (to Victor & Poppy): You do? Awesome.
Poppy (to Victor & Zoe): Well, it looks like you have a name for your ship, Victor honey. Congratulations.
Victor (to Zoe & Poppy): Yeah... Whoa.
Poppy (to Victor): What is it, honey?
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Did it just hit you that you have a ship?
Victor (to Zoe & Poppy): Heh. Yeah. A bit.
Zoe (to Poppy): So, Mom, if Victor gets an airship of his own at seventeen. What do I get?
Poppy (to Zoe): I think at the moment, honey, you should be happy that I'm not grilling you about your young man.
Victor (to Zoe): You and your squirrel get to be the official ship mascots. :-P
Zoe (to Victor): Woohoo! I'll take it. (to Poppy) Um, thanks, mom.
Poppy (to Zoe): I thought you might appreciate that, honey… Besides, I have a feeling your father is going to talk to him. You are his little girl.
Zoe (to Poppy & Victor): What!?! Oh god…
Victor (to Zoe & Poppy): Uh oh. Dad's gonna have to put in some hours if he chases Felix off. He's been a big help. He knows far more than he lets on.
Poppy (to Zoe & Victor): He's not going to run him off, sweeties.
Zoe (to Poppy & Victor): This is so embarrassing.
Meanwhile:
Vincent (to Felix): Hello again, Felix. The Mrs. & I have come to collect our children. We hope they weren't too much trouble.
Felix (to Vincent): Hello, Captain Potter. No trouble at all. Your babe there was surprisingly well behaved. You look a bit worse for wear, sir.
Vincent (to Felix): Hee hee. Just a bit. Apparently, Wong Fei Hung didn't appreciate my suggestions on how he could spend his time. I'm glad Lucas wasn't a bother. If his siblings --and parents, truthfully-- are any indication, he'll be a right pain in my ass when he gets older. Won't you, Mr. Drooly? Yes! Speaking of my kids, I couldn't help but notice you pointedly DIDN'T mention anything about my darling daughter.
Felix (to Vincent): ... No, Captain. Is this the part of the conversation where you threaten me with an interesting variety of bodily harm if I come anywhere near her?
Vincent (to Felix): Heh. Nope. Not in the slightest, hun. Sorry to disappoint you.
Felix (to Vincent): Fine by me, sir. I don't really like to be threatened with pain and suffering.
Vincent (to Felix): I wouldn't imagine, but that's not what I meant. You're hoping I give you the "stay away from my daughter" speech, because it gives you a nice easy out for not being involved with her. Hee hee. Don't look so shocked, kiddo. I was your age once too. And similar in a lot of ways. Heh heh. A little TOO similar for my tastes, truthfully. :-P Here's the rub, Felix, Zoe is a smart, capable and amazing young woman. And the fact that she wants to get to know you makes you a very lucky gentleman. We are a family of cons, pickpockets, pirates, and former CLANNG members. Only a few of us can say we've never done something bloody, awful, or bloody awful. We don't care about your past. We just care about the man you're trying to be now. Hee hee. There is nothing you've done that's so horrible, someone we know & love hasn't done in a worse way. That being said, if you hurt, or mislead, or in any way shape or form cause harm, physical or otherwise, to ANYONE in my family, especially the amazing girl who is choosing to trust you, you will regret it in ways you cannot even begin to fathom. Clear? And if you two start dating, you will be respectful, careful and safe.
Felix (to Vincent): I understand, Captain.
Vincent (to Felix): Good. Oops! Look at that. Lucas is asleep. Hee hee. All those vague threats put him down. Let me get him to his mom.
Felix (to Vincent): ... Aye, sir. Could you let Victor know I've got the boilers sorted out?
Vincent (to Felix): He's the one you should be calling Captain, kiddo. Just Vincent is fine for me. Later, tater!
A short time later:
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. I see you got the speech. How you holding up?
Felix (to Yukiko): Would you think less of me if I said slightly terrified?
Yukiko (to Felix): No. I'd think you were being honest. Heh. I got the speech too, only it was Poppy that delivered it.
Felix (to Yukiko): Did you? What did that entail?
Yukiko (to Felix): Her telling me that she understood where I came from better than most & that she was trusting me with her son's heart. And, that if I wanted to change the direction my life was going, they'd all help me. Heh. It's not like I had much of a choice in that department. I was blacklisted and the only way to make sure my partner didn't suffer the same fate was to fake my death. As far as my former employers, family, and in-laws know Yukiko Kobayashi was killed by a mercenary fulfilling a contract.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. I thought you might be one of the spies on board. To tell you the truth, I don't know how to feel right now. First time I've ever been threatened by a man holding a baby.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. I wasn't a spy, Felix… I was an assassin. Bit of a difference.
Felix (to Yukiko): Ah. Oh. Yes, I suppose so.
Yukiko (to Felix): … So, can I ask you a personal question, Felix?
Felix (to Yukiko): You can ask anything you like. I might not answer, though as it seems like lying is a waste of breath on this ship.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. Fair enough… Do you think Zoe's worth all of this mess? I mean, I'm sure you fully intended to spend a fun evening with her and then say goodbye. So, what's different? What happened to make you change your mind?
Felix (to Yukiko): For one, my "service" with Captain Bartholomew came to an abrupt end... I'll let you know when I sort the rest out.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. I know just how you feel… If you're interested to know, I think Zoe's a bit concerned that her father has scared you off. She was hanging out topside with a book she wasn't really reading. I need to get back to working on the engines.
Felix (to Yukiko): Oh? I should probably go put her mind at ease then, shouldn't I? Shout if you need my help, boss.
Yukiko (to Felix): Will do… Go see to your girl, Baldwin. :-P
Felix (to Yukiko): She's not mine. I thought you spy-types were supposed to be observant.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. If you say so.
A little while later:
Felix (to Zoe): I think you might have that upside down.
Zoe (to Felix): Huh? Oh, I guess it is. I wasn't really reading it, anyway… So, you here to say goodbye?
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? Momma and Poppa taking you back to the Falcon already? Heh. I thought for sure your brother would try to wrangle some more free labor out of you.
Zoe (to Felix): No… I just thought you'd be leaving after the whole dad lecture. You keep saying you didn't want to ruin the good thing you have going here by mucking about with me. And yes, Victor asked me to stick around and help get this boat up to snuff. Mom & Dad are dropping off Lucas at the inn & going out on their own. They've got something cooking.
Felix (to Zoe): Are they? Well... That doesn't surprise me. Your parents didn't get this far doing what they do by not being sneaky. And I wasn't planning on going anywhere unless I'm asked to leave.
Zoe (to Felix): So, you're not leaving? I'm so glad to hear that… Oh, sorry. I got overly excited for a minute there.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. So I see.
Zoe (to Felix): What does this mean, for us? Is there an us? Or are we going back to trying to stay away from each other? Because, I don't really like that option… Why are you looking at me like that?
Felix (to Zoe): Like what?
Zoe (to Felix): You're smirking at me… Did I say something funny?
Felix (to Zoe): Staying away from each other? Is that what we were doing? Heh. I thought you were all sound as a pound with being "casual."
Zoe (to Felix): Oh yeah… I'm totally up for casual, it's practically my middle name… I've even got, uh, a date with someone… And, I am really terrible at this… Stop smirking at me.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! You really are. You're surrounded by spies, pirates and killers, and you can't lie worth a damn. Seems like a skill you should pick up sometime.
Zoe (to Felix): I'm a much better liar when I need to be. You're just kinda throwing me off with that sexy smirk and being all handsome at me.
Felix (to Zoe): I didn't realize that was something I could do AT you.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, IT is. So, kindly stop it. :-P Did you want something or did you just come up here to torment me?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Only just slightly. ... What is it that you really want from me, pretty girl. Tell me the truth, not what you think I might want to hear.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, I thought it was kind of obvious, Felix. I really like you. A lot. I know it's probably foolish of me but, I'd like to try dating. You can't deny that we're attracted to each other. I like being with you & I'd like to spend as much time as we can together… Is this the part where you tell me that you're not made for old bones & casual is all you can offer again?
Felix (to Zoe): I don't know. I never thought I had much choice in that regard. What would you say if I told you that again?
Zoe (to Felix): I'd tell you that you were a liar & an ass. And then, I'd go stay at the inn or Persephone while my parents are gone.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, you'd be right on both counts...
Zoe (to Felix): Oh. Message received, loud and clear... I guess, I'll go grab my bag and head out, then. I should tell Victor where I'm going. It's been fun, Mister Baldwin. I'll see you tomorrow.
Felix (to Zoe): Dammit! That isn't what I meant!
Zoe (to Felix): Well, say what you mean. I really hope you're not this indecisive when it counts, cuz you could get yourself killed.
Felix (to Zoe): Of course I'm not! I'm alive, aren't I? Keeping myself that way hasn't always been an easy task, you know. This is all...
Zoe (to Felix): This is all what? What the fuck do you want from me? I'm not going to beg or keep chasing after you. The only reason I've even bothered for this long is because I thought you felt the same way but you were just afraid to admit it. Was I wrong? Is this how you get your kicks or something!?! If so, it really fucking sucks.
Felix (to Zoe): What?! I'm not trying to get you to bloody beg! If I wanted some stupid girl to fawn all me, I'd go find one! I've been trying to be straight with you this WHOLE time! Why the hell would this be FUN? I sure look like I'm having a damn blast, don't I? Especially with your whole family here, watching me like a damn colony of vultures... Forget it!
Zoe (to Felix): Fine. Have it your way… Ass. You know, I told you what I wanted but, you've never once told me what you wanted... I guess it doesn't matter, now.
Felix (to Zoe): As if it wasn't bloody fucking obvious! Why the hell do you think I'm still here? Yes, the room and board and a chance are nice and all, but it isn't easy or simple work, is it? I'm on a ship full of people who seem to know more about me than I know about my damn self, and who will gut me faster than I could scream if they thought I'd wronged you! Your Poppa promised me, not threatened me--a threat is a man trying to scare you into doing what he wants. No, the Captain PROMISED me that I'd regret it if I hurt you. He didn't care if I was scared or not, because he knew it was the truth. And yet, here I am. You keep asking me to tell you what I want, but I can't! I DON'T KNOW. I'm sorry I don't know. I'm sorry it's not the answer you want to hear. Good night!
Zoe (to Felix): Wait, Felix! … I'm sorry I got so upset. This whole thing is ridiculous. Will you, please, stay & talk? Please?
Felix (to Zoe): I don't know what to tell you, Zoe. ... But, I'll stay if you want.
Zoe (to Felix): Come, sit down. Look… Just answer me truthfully. Do you like me? I mean, more than just as a casual thing. Pretend I'm a moron and need things spelled out to me.
Felix (to Zoe): ...I, uh, I do.
Zoe (to Felix): Good. Well, I like you, too. So, let's just take it from there, okay? We don't have to define our relationship or whatever this is, right this second… But, um, will you go out with me on a date? Nothing too fancy. I'd just like to say we had one.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I owe you at least that much. I believe I stood you up for our last one.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh… Where would you like to go? We can go anywhere you want… Or we could simply stay in. The choice is yours.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh no. You pick the place. Heh. I already told you that this town isn't mine.
Zoe (to Felix): It's not mine, either… Actually, we're not even on the same side of the portals for my town. Oh… Wanna go there?
Felix (to Zoe): To your side? ...I can't deny I'm curious.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, then, it's decided… I'll give you the 50 cent tour of my town. And, we'll be back here before too long. Take my hand.
Felix (to Zoe): Alright. You're sure this is a good idea?
Zoe (to Felix): Not at all but then that's half the fun. Besides, I thought you are all Mister Dangerous Pirate? Are you worried? Oh my god, you're totes worried! Have you ever been to the other side before?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I didn't say I was dangerous, Pretty Girl. Just untrustworthy. I have. Just once.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? Where did you go?
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not quite sure. I was working for Delphine at the time.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… That must have been fun. You ready?
Felix (to Zoe): It wasn't fun in the slightest. I'm ready.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, I'll try to make sure we do better… Okay, stand close to me… Um, not that close. It's a little distracting… Unless, you'd rather stay here? I'm sure we could find something to do to occupy ourselves. ;-P
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? And what precisely do you have in mind?
Zoe (to Felix): Hmmm, possibly something like this... Heehee… Don't look so shocked.
Felix (to Zoe): Well, I wouldn't say shocked. Come here for a moment.
Zoe (to Felix): … Wow… You are making a very good argument for staying here, sexy man.
Felix (to Zoe): I get the feeling I'll follow you wherever you suggest.
Zoe (to Felix): … Does your quarters have a lock on the door?
Felix (to Zoe): No, but I know how to rig something together.
Zoe (to Felix): Works for me…
Felix (to Zoe): Come with me. Heh. I promise you I have it very nearly livable.
Zoe (to Felix): I can't wait to see it. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Don't tease. It's not like I had much to work with.
A few minutes later:
Felix (to Zoe): Make yourself at home wherever you like. I'm going to see what I can do about the door...
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. It's not bad. Honest. I should get you a plant or something.
Felix (to Zoe): A plant? What would I do with that?
Zoe (to Felix): It would make the room more homey.
Felix (to Zoe): Homey? Heh. Is that what does it? Potted plants?
Zoe (to Felix): Fucked if I know. I've just heard that somewhere before.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Well, well, maybe I'll get myself a plant then... I've almost got this sorted. Damn you, door! ... I take it you weren't living the high life before Momma and Poppa claimed you.
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, you could say that… I was all alone for 3 months running from CLANNG and the ISS. By the time, I found them I was exhausted and had nowhere else to go. I scared the hell out of everyone and they almost didn't take me in.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I don't believe for a second they wouldn't have taken you in, pretty girl. No matter what your start, you are most definitely *their* little girl. There. I think that has it sorted.
Zoe (to Felix): That's very sweet of you to say… But it's true. I wasn't really in the best of head-spaces at the time. Heck, I had a huge crush on Nate for about a month, which was just ridiculously awkward. And, he was still pining for his ass of an ex.
Felix (to Zoe): Nate? Not that shifty cousin of yours? I thought... Well, I wasn't sure he'd be interested in you. Cousin or no.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Damn straight he wasn't. He's shacked up with Aiden in West Piedmont. He kinda hates coming over here, because he can't hold hands or anything without causing a riot. I knew he was gay. I thought it made it safer to like him. I wasn't very stable and I needed something to hold onto. Like I said, bad head-space.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I can appreciate that. Aboard the Black Bart's the closest to home I've had in a while. And that's a sad statement indeed considering I tried to jump ship at least three times. So... Door's locked. What did you have in mind?
Zoe (to Felix): I have lots of ideas… But, mostly this...
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... I can get behind that.
