At the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
George (to Charles): There you are, Charles! I've been looking everywhere for you. Ms. Dvorak finally gave me a day off. Any chance I can steal you away from the inn?
Charles (to George): Oh! George... You startled me. Yes, that should be fine. Mrs. Longfellow has been trying to get me to take some time off.
George (to Charles): Wonderful! I'm glad to hear it. I was worried that you had locked yourself in the kitchen, never to come out again.
Charles (to George): Oh. Yes. I suppose I have been avoiding the front of the house a bit. I didn't want to cause trouble again.
George (to Charles): HAHAHA! How would you cause trouble? ... Wait. What happened to your eye? Who did that to you? I'll kill them!
Charles (to George): George... George! Calm down, please. I'm quite alright. This... This TERRIFYING man asking if I'd seen either Persephone's gentleman, Mr. Joseph, or her cousin, Mr. Jones. He, um, became quite perturbed when I wouldn't tell him anything. Mr. Williams and several of our regulars intervened. I thought it might be better if I stayed out of sight for a bit.
George (to Charles): Oh, my poor Charles. I'm sure that was terrible. Let me take you out so you can forget that awful occurrence! My treat.
Charles (to George): What? Y-You don't have to do that. I really am... You're not going to take any answer other than "yes," are you?
George (to Charles): Heh. Clearly, you already know the answer to that.
Charles (to George): Clearly I do... I'd feel more comfortable if you let me pay for myself at the very least.
George (to Charles): Fine... But, how can it be a date, if you pay for yourself?
Charles (to George): A what? You... You wanted to go on a date with me? But... I mean... Um. Shouldn't... Shouldn't I pay for you?
George (to Charles): Why would you do that? I asked you. If you ask me out on a date, you can pay. I think that's only fair. Or is it that you don't want to go on a date with me? Is that it?
Charles (to George): No! Of course not! I didn't say that.
George (to Charles): So, you DO want to go out on date with me? Good to know. Come on, then. I have a whole day planned for us. You'll love it.
Charles (to George): Oh! Um... alright.
George (to Charles): ... Would you rather I changed into a dress, Charles?
Charles (to George): No. That's not necessary. Not that you don't look very pretty in dresses! I just mean... Um, I enjoy your company. It doesn't matter what you're wearing. It just... Um, you surprised me when you grabbed my hand. That's all.
George (to Charles): Really? I can't possibly be the first person you've ever held hands with, Charles. Your mother must have done it when you were little. I know mine did. It's what mothers do.
Charles (to George): She did, but it's hardly the same thing!
George (to Charles): You put way too much thought into things, Charles. It's just hands. Geez. It's a good thing I didn't try to kiss you. :-P
Several hours later, on the street; New London, Britannia:
Charles (to George): Thank you for a very nice afternoon, George. I, heh, I suppose I was wound a bit tighter than I thought.
George (to Charles): You're very welcome, Charles. I had a nice time, too... This is the part where you try to give me a kiss.
Charles (to George): Oh! I... I beg your pardon. I... I didn't realize that you...
George (to Charles): ... Sorry. You were being too slow. I like you a lot, Charles. I just wanted you to know.
Charles (to George): Oh! I, uh, I like you too, George. And I wouldn't assume that you would spend time with me if... Um. we seem to have attracted an undue amount of attention.
George (to Charles): Heehee. Well, come on, then. I'd hate for your delicate sensibilities to be embarrassed by a public display of affection.
Charles (to George): Well, it isn't really something that one does in public, George.
George (to Charles): You are such a fuddy duddy, Charles.
Charles (to George): I am not!
George (to Charles): Prove it.
Charles (to George): I... You... How exactly do you propose I do that?
George (to Charles): I don't know... Do something spontaneous.
Charles (to George): ... Alright. Come on.
George (to Charles): Where are we going?
Charles (to George): This way. To Eastern Seventh Stretch. Mr. Robertson, he's the gentleman who gets a scotch and water every Friday night and stops in for scones on Sundays, said there's an abandoned shop...
A short time later:
Charles (to George): Oh. I think this is it. He said the door should be open... He said that you can get quite a nice view of the city from the rooftop. He said he and his lady used to meet here. Oh dear! He neglected to mention how many rats there were in this building... I think this may have been a bad idea. We can turn back if you'd like.
George (to Charles): Grab that lantern, it should scare the rats away. I'm fine. It's not like I haven't seen rats before. I want to see this view.
Charles (to George): Heh. I suppose not. The house where I rented a bed was rather overrun with them. I had to sleep completely covered to keep them from biting. OH! Cor! Watch your step there. I just put my foot through the floor. It seems solid enough here.
George (to Charles): Heehee. This is quite an adventure. How are you holding up?
Charles (to George): Yes. I think I can handle walking through an empty building. Honestly.
George (to Charles): Hmmm... Aren't you worried you'll muss your suit?
Charles (to George): Oh. Not particularly. I mean, I much prefer to be clean, but I don't think that's all that odd. Heh. Besides, it's not as though I can stay clean in the kitchen.
George (to Charles): ... I was just teasing... Ooooo. This is gorgeous. Who knew the city could look so pretty? Heh. I'm very proud of you, Charles. This view is beautiful... C'mere.
Charles (to George): Oh. I... it wasn't... Um, o-ok.
