At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Joseph (to Persephone): Seph? Are you okay? Why is there a big bloodstain on the back garden patio?
Persephone (to Joseph): Oh, bloody hell! I thought I got all of it. Grab this bucket. I need to get more bleach.
Joseph (to Persephone): Would you stand the fuck still for a minute? Are you okay?
Persephone (to Joseph): Yes, I'm fine. It's not my blood. Everyone's okay. I need to clean this up before the neighbors start gossiping.
Joseph (to Persephone): Oh… Is this one of those things that I shouldn't ask about?
Persephone (to Joseph): Um… Yes. Yes, I think that would be for the best, handsome.
A short time later:
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Hey. I brought you a huge fuck-off jug of hydrogen peroxide. That should take care of… (to Joseph) Oh. Hey, Joe.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Fantastic! Hand it over. Bleach doesn't seem to be working.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Hey, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah, just let it kinda fizz on the stain for a while and then you should be able to scrub it off. (to Joseph) We had a... Fuck it. A problem followed me and Aiden home. But, um, heh, heh... *Charles* took care of it.
Joseph (to Nathaniel): Seriously? What did he do, worry it to death?
Persephone (to Joseph & Nathaniel): Hush, you two. Charles was very brave.
Nathaniel (to Joseph & Persephone): Hell, I'm not saying otherwise. It took a whole lotta balls, especially considering--uh--you know. Kid's alright.
Joseph (to Persephone & Nathaniel): I didn't mean anything by it, Seph. It's just that kid is wound awfully tight. He was bound to snap. I'm just glad he didn't get himself hurt.
Nathaniel (to Joseph): Yeah. Me too. (to Persephone) I'm glad YOU didn't get yourself hurt too, ya' fucking crazy ass. How's Mrs. Esterly doing? Aiden's worried.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): She says she's fine but she's been resting in her room all day. And, all she had to eat was tea & toast.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Well, shit. That sure doesn't sounds like fucking fine to me...
Persephone (to Nathaniel): That's what I thought.
Joseph (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Um, I can go talk to her. She's usually pretty straight with me.
Persephone (to Joseph & Nathaniel): You are such a smartie, Joseph honey.
Nathaniel (to Joseph & Persephone): Oh shit! That's genius. She LOVES your fucking ass. You're her fucking chubby bunny.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee. There is nothing chubby about Joseph, at all.
Joseph (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Standing right the fuck here... I'll be back.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): No, the chubby bunny. You know, the fat rabbit? The favorite? ...Is this bullshit they only say in my family?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Yep, you are so on your own with rabbits.
A little while later, at Mrs. Esterly's apartment:
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. E? You okay in there? Can I get you somethin'?
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Joseph! So nice to see you, dear! Ohhh, I hope you'll forgive me for not having something prepared for you.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm fine. Are you really okay? Everyone seems a bit concerned that you're not feeling yourself.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): They are? Good heavens. What on earth for? It's not as thought Balthazar were the first man I ever shot in the head. And I know of very few people who deserved it more, dear. Actually... Now that I think on it, he deserved something MUCH more gruesome and painful than that. But I never did have a stomach for torture. No, no. I'm fine. Come inside. I'll fix you a cup of tea. I'm just trying to figure something out, dear. There's something that I'm missing...
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, okay... Did you really shoot that Quentin freak in the head?
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh, yes. It was after Mr. Turner hit him in the head with a paving stone, of course. I see no reason to lie to you or to try to protect you from the truth, Joseph. You're very fond of Persephone, after all, and I'm afraid this is the sort of business in which she gets herself embroiled. Push those files out of the way, and I'll get you a slice of sponge cake as well, dear.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): ... Truth be told, Mrs. E. I'm just crazy about Seph... And, I knew it wasn't going to be all wine & roses here. I mean, heck, the first time I crossed over was because I was being chased by that pink-haired lady.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. I didn't think you would. I do hope you'll forgive the others for wanting to protect you a bit. Persephone's family just seems to breed trouble, and, to tell the truth, the Wilkes clan is no better. Hee hee. Nor am I for that matter.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Well, I'm just glad you're okay. I know we'd all be worse off if you weren't around.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh... Oh dear. Good heavens, Joseph. Don't say that to an old woman and expect her not to get all misty.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): What? It's the truth... I know I've grown, uh, really fond of you.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Oh! You are a sweet thing, aren't you? Come here, lad. I'm more than fond of you too, fear.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): … Oh, um. Cool.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Hee hee. I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to embarrass you. You'll let Persephone and Nathaniel, and whoever else is out there fretting because an old lady was too wrapped up in her head to eat, that I'm quite alright, won't you?
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Yeah, of course.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): Thank you, sweetie. Come back for supper tomorrow night. Hee hee. I'll be sure to remember to cook this time. ;-)
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): I will. Get some rest, Mrs. E. I'll see you tomorrow.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph): I will. Thank you for worrying about me, Joseph. Good night.
