8.08.2013

A Strange Old World, Day 102

At Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh, I beg your pardon, Mister Yong. Is Mister Rodchenko in? He & I were going to have lunch together on the sea. He said he knew an absolutely charming place… Will you be joining us?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Mr. Rodchenko will be down shortly... I assume.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Wonderful… I bought a new hat & dress for the occasion. They're French. I thought I should look the part. What do you think?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Very nice.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … You don't like me very much, do you?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I have no issues with you, Ms. Fenris. You are a smart, capable young woman. The work you've been doing is very good.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh well, that's nice of you to say. Thank you.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not at all. It's true... I apologize if my demeanor makes you uncomfortable. Our employer is always chiding me for it.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): It doesn't make me uncomfortable… It's just quite different from the man I spent a night with. I guess, I'm just trying to reconcile the two. You're a bit of an enigma, Mister Yong.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Am I? I don't see much difference between the two. When I'm at work, that is my primary concern. If I choose to be intimate with someone I want to make sure he or she has as enjoyable time as I. It is entirely different.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Oh, I understand. I won't make that kind of mistake again. From now on, I'll keep our relationship purely professional.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): As you wish. I see no problems with the fact that we were intimate. I wasn't working at the time, nor were you.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Boy, when you say it like that, you make it sound like we simply fixed a radiator together.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I didn't mean to imply it wasn't enjoyable.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh well, that's nice… Where is Mister Rodchenko? I'm starving. Maybe he forgot about me? Wanna take me to lunch, Mister Yong? Please?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...I doubt he forgot. Stay here.

A moment later:

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Ms. Fenris! Please go to this address and ask for Doctor Crow. Do not fetch ANYONE, but Doctor Crow.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes, of course!

A short time later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Mister Yong! I'm back with Dr. Crow… Is dyadya alright?

Ji Yong (to Dr. Crow & Ariadne): Docteur Crow, Monsieur Rodchenko a eu une attaque. S'il vous plaĆ®t prendre soin de lui. I believe he will be alright.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Good. I think I need to sit… Bozhe moy.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Here. Let me get you something to drink. Mr. Rodchenko has had these attacks before after he's overindulged himself, I'm afraid.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh… Thank you. This is why he's been feeling so nostalgic & lonely, as of late. He should really take better care of himself. Why doesn't Michelle make sure he's taking better care of himself? He's not getting any younger. Does he have any family? I'm sorry. I shouldn't be getting so worked up. He's just been so kind to me.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): It is quite alright. He is very dear to many people. Although, more would probably like to see him pass away. Michelle has been valiant in her attempts to get him to be more cautious, but he is a stubborn man.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. That doesn't surprise me… Thank you for the drink. I'm sure you have work to attend to, you don't have to stay with me. Though, I don't mind the company.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I must stay here until Dr. Crow finishes. He's stated he finds me unnerving in the past. Michelle will see to Mr. Rodchenko's needs until I am needed again.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Okay. You're worried too, aren't you? … Here. Sit with me.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Mr. Rodchenko is an exceptional employer.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … How long have you worked for him?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Seven years. I believe he thought I was mute when he first hired me.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. And, you grew up here in Nice? How'd you end up working for him? Did he pluck you off the street or did you come looking for him?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. I was hired to assassinate him. I didn't succeed. He decided to hire me instead.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): HAHA… That doesn't surprise me at all.

An hour later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel (to Lily): You're...You're sure you want to meet my aunt and uncle right now? You don't wanna... I dunno, wait until you're settled in?

Lily (to Nathaniel): Are you worried they won't like me? Persephone took me shopping. I have a new dress & everything.

Nathaniel (to Lily): Heh... They'll love you, Lil' Bit. I'm not worried about that at all.

Aiden (to Lily & Nathaniel): They will like you just fine. He's just nervous.

Lily (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Then, why can't I meet them?

Aiden (to Lily & Nathaniel): I think Nate is more concerned about the fact that I proposed to him.

Lily (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Eeee! So, he'll be second Daddy for real? Can I wear a tuxedo at the wedding?

Nathaniel (to Aiden & Lily): I'm not fu--freakin' concerned... Alright, FINE. I'm a little concerned. And this stupid thing won't freakin' light, and you can wear a tux and be the bloody flower girl if you want... Sorry. I didn't mean to be grumpy.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Here, handsome. (to Lily) You will be exquisite in a tuxedo.

Lily (to Nathaniel & Aiden): This has just been the best week ever!

Aiden (to Lily): I promise we have our boring mundane moments, too.

Nathaniel (to Lily & Aiden): Heh. Just not this week... There's the Falcon.

Lily (to Nathaniel & Aiden): ... Oh. Really? That isn't at all what I expected.

Aiden (to Lily & Nathaniel): Don't let it fool you... It's quite an exceptional airship.

Nathaniel (to Lily & Aiden): Heh. You could say the same about my aunt and uncle. Speaking of which... (to Poppy) Hey, Aunt Poppy.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Hello, Nate honey. (to Aiden) Aiden. (to Lily) And, you must be the new lady of the house. It's a pleasure, honey.

Nathaniel (to Lily): Lilian, this is my aunt, Poppy Meriwether. The munchkin she's holding is Lucas.

Poppy (to Lily): Close your mouth, sweetie. I'm nothing special... Heh. Who am I kidding? I'm fascinating.

Lily (to Poppy): Nice to meet you, ma'am. I've heard a lot about you.

Nathaniel (to Poppy & Lily): Heh. She and Aiden have been reading Treasure Island and wanted to meet the pirate relatives.

Poppy (to Nathaniel & Lily): Heehee.Have they now? Well, the real pirate will be along shortly. Is there somewhere I can put Lucas, honey? He's being a bit fussy & needs a changing.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Yeah. You can stick him in our room if you want. That bed's frickin' ridiculous. He'd have to travel to roll off it. Oh! Wait. We got a guest room, don't we?

Aiden (to Nathaniel & Poppy): Heh. Yes, there's also a guest room available at the top of the stairs. I can show you if you like.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Sorry. I forgot.

Poppy (to Aiden): Lead the way, your former lordship. :-p (to Lily) Don't worry, we're here for a day or so, honey.

Lily (to Poppy): Heehee, okay. (to Nathaniel) It'll be okay, second Daddy.

Nathaniel (to Lily): Heh. Aren't I supposed to be saying that to you? :-P I know it'll be OK.

Lily (to Nathaniel): Well, you're the one that looks all funny.

Nathaniel (to Lily): I can't help it. That's just what my face looks like.

Aiden (to Lily & Nathaniel): Heh. That's his "Oh my gosh, how am I going to tell them" face.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hush, you.

Vincent: Hello? (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Nate! Aiden! Give us a hug, boys! (to Lily) Oh! Hello. Who is this sharp-looking young lady?

Lily (to Vincent): I'm Lilian Dil-- Wilkes.

Aiden (to Vincent): She's my daughter. I'm sure your wife filled you in about her recent appearance.

Vincent (to Aiden): She did indeed. (to Lily) It's very nice to meet you, Miss Wilkes. That's a very nice dress you have on.

Lily (to Vincent): Thank you... You're much shorter than I was expecting.

Vincent (to Lily): Hee hee. I've heard that about myself. Would you like to come see the airship? We have a large collection of swords on board.

Lily (to Vincent): Really? I would love to! (to Aiden & Nathaniel) Is it alright if I go see them, Daddy & 2nd Daddy?

Nathaniel (to Lily, Aiden & Vincent): Ha ha ha! Yeah. It's fine with me. Just don't --I dunno-- stab anyone.

Aiden (to Lily): Yes, go or I will never hear the end of it.

Vincent (to Lily): Come on! I've got a pirate hat and a couple of sashes you can have as well.

Lily (to Vincent): ... You are the bestest, Gruncle Vincent!

Vincent (to Lily): Hee hee hee. Damn straight I am. :-P

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Did I seriously just say "don't stab anyone"? Like I was a dad? ...Jesus.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Yes, you did. It was adorable.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...Oh my god. Ha ha ha! I have no idea how to feel right now.

A couple hours later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic::

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Ms. Fenris? Doctor Crow left. He said. Mr. Rodchenko is out of danger.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): May I go see him?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Of course.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Thank you… Will you meet me afterwards? Please?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): If you would like.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I would very much...

A few minutes later, in Grigori's apartment:

Ariadne (to Grigori): How are you feeling, dyadya?

Grigori (to Ariadne): Hello, sestrenka. Heh heh. I'm sorry I missed our lunch date.

Ariadne (to Grigori): … Don't you fucking joke like that! You scared the hell out of me! … I'm sorry I shouldn't be yelling at you. I was worried.

Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Ti takaya vaskhitItel'naya. I am sorry I worried you. Don't worry. Michelle and Dr. Crow have both already scolded me.

Ariadne (to Grigori): You're the closest thing that I have to family, dyadya… My mother is a pirate, my grandmother is dead… And, my father, well, he has a daughter that's me but, not me… You've made me feel like I belong somewhere. So, don't you fucking die on me.

Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh. Yes, ma'am. It's rare the lady who can make me fall in line, you know.

Ariadne (to Grigori): I'm sure it is, you old sneaky bastard. Now, who were you with last night?

Grigori (to Ariadne): What makes you say that, dorogaya moya?

Ariadne (to Grigori): … Because, I'm not an idiot. You either overindulged with eating, drinking or with a young lady. Which was it, dyadya?

Grigori (to Ariadne): First one, then the other --heh heh-- and ending with the last, of course.

Ariadne (to Grigori): … Vypodlyy negodyay. Get some rest. From now on, the chef will be delivering you only food on the menu I provide them. And, I will be speaking to all the young ladies… You can still have your vodka, so it won't be all bad. Ponyal?

Grigori (to Ariadne): Vy podlyy suka! Ha ha ha. As you say, sestrenka. I am not foolish enough to disagree with a Russian woman. Ponyal.

Ariadne (to Grigori): Good. Now, get some sleep, dyadya. Vy ochen' dorogi mne.

Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh. Yes, Miss Fenris. Vy mne ochen' dorogi , a takzhe, mladshuyu sestru. YA rad, chto vy zdes'...

A short time later:

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. I didn't think you were actually going to be here when I was done in there… We need to talk to the kitchen staff about Mister Rodchenko's dietary needs. And, all the girls need to have a little talking to in regards to his extracurricular activity.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Does Mr. Rodchenko know that you're restricting his diet and after hours activities?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes. I've informed him that changes will be made. He was pissy about it, but he'll deal… I am very persuasive.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): You must be. Very well. Follow me.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good. Here's the menu. You tackle the kitchen staff, I'll deal with the girls… What's with the face? Were you expecting sex?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I did not realize I was making a face... I'm not sure. I'm most likely a bit surprised. You don't seem to have an angle other than our employer's continued health. I would be more suspicious if I didn't think you were earnest.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Heh. Well, if you do a good job with the kitchen staff, maybe just maybe, I'll show you some of my really good moves. I never bring my 'A Game' to a one night stand. I generally like to build up to that. In my experience, if you bring the really fancy moves they either never call back or follow me around like a creepy weirdo. But, I don't think I have to worry about that sort of thing with you… Probably, just the no calls & that's easy to deal with.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Which part?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I'm afraid I don't understand most of it. I believe I am more unfamiliar with Colonist slang than I previously thought. I will go speak to the kitchen staff, however, and attempt to "do a good job."

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee… Here I'll make it easier for you. After you're done in the kitchen, if you want to have sex. I'll be on the roof enjoying a cocktail. If you join me, that means you do… If not, I will never bring it up again.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Ah. Yes. That I understand. I shall go see to the kitchen staff now.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): ... Hopefully, I'll see you on the roof, soon.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Yes.