At Renfield's; West Piedmont:
Marlena: Shit-fucking hell!
River (to Marlena): You kiss your boyfriend with that mouth? What's wrong with you?
Marlena (to River): Sorry, it's these damn muffins. I know I told mom I'd help out now that Nate's gone for a bit dealing with Aiden's family in England but I have no patience for this shit.
River (to Marlena): Look, just go up front... On second thought, why don't you wash the dishes? I'll take care of this, ok?
Marlena (to River): What? You don't think I can handle the fucking front counter. I used to do it all the time when I was little.
River (to Marlena): You probably didn't swear & scowl at the customers back then. Come on, we need the dishes washed. Please?
Marlena (to River): Fine. But, only cuz you asked so fucking nicely.
A little while later:
Nathaniel (to River): Hey! Sorry I haven't been around. Whatcha need?
River (to Nathaniel): I don't have a problem with it. Talk to Grumpy Sanchez back there.
Marlena (to River & Nathaniel): That's not funny, hair gel!
Nathaniel (to River): Heh, so does that mean you want me to head back...?
River (to Nathaniel): Don't you fucking dare! I want to be able to still like my girlfriend.
Marlena (to River): Heh. Alright. Lemme get back there with her. Honestly, after all the forced politeness of the Wilkes, Mars's cranky ass will be a welcome freakin' change of pace.
River (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thanks. I've got the front with Oliver.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ...What the fuck did you do back here?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I was making muffins & failing miserably. I don't know this recipe at all. What the fuck is a Morning Glory muffin?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): It's a muffin with a bunch of extra shit like carrots and nuts. I got it. I probably won't be around much for a while... Shit got REAL frea--fuckin' complicated. I'll be covering my shifts though. Heh. River hasn't done anything that warrants me saddling him with your grumpy ass first thing in the morning.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): It's not like he's not fucking used to my ass... But, he already works with my mom. I think adding me to the mix is stressing him the fuck out... So, what's happened? It's not fucking Hiiri, is it?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Not this time. I mean, she's still out there planning who the fuck knows what? But right this fucking second Aiden's half-brother has been trying to fuck with his family. I knew him from before--you know, from the other time--and he's a sneaky fucking bastard. He's working with CLANNG, but seems like all the shit he's doing now is personal. He tried to have me murdered, and found out Aiden's brother Roland had a daughter stashed away in some hellhole in Ireland. We're, um, we're taking care of her now.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Damn... How are you fucking handling that?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ...Alright. I'm fucking dealing. We had to fake some paperwork to make it look like she's Aiden's kid, heh, but she figured out that wasn't legit pretty quick. She's fucking SMART. She's alright... Aiden also asked me to marry him.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Holy fucking shit! Congratulations! ... Wait. That's a lot to fucking take in... Are you okay with all of this? A kid, marriage & you're not even old enough to drink over here. Are you really ready for all of this? It wasn't too fucking long ago that you were worried about getting over your ex-boyfriend, whatshisname.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ...Tim! Ha! I had to actually think about that for a second. ...Holy shit. I'm not old enough to drink here, am I? Heh. HA HA HA! Oh... Oh shit! Haha. Sorry. Between the skipping, and the CLANNG bullshit, and the different realities... I forget.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, I guess that answers that fucking question. You're actually happy about all this, you big fucking weirdo.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ...Yeah. I guess I kinda am. I dunno. I guess I never really felt like I belonged here, ya' know? I felt like some nasty copy of a guy that was kinda like me, but maybe a little better? Nicer? Heh. *Definitely* fucking whinier. Jesus! But I didn't feel like any of this shit was really mine. Not that I felt "at home" in the other fucking reality either.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): So, are you going to stay in New London from now on?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Not if I can fucking help it. I way prefer this side, but we got Lilian now, so... I don't know.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, you know my mom & dad will help out if you decide to bring her over here or if you stay there. And, I'll help anyway I fucking can... Though, River doesn't know about that side so it might be tricky. How old is she?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I know. It's a clusterfuck all the way around. She just turned 11.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Well, shit! Don't tell me you fucking left her alone with Seph. She'll be ruined. You might as well get a new one. :-P
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh heh. Seph, Mrs. Esterly and Aiden. Plus, Joe is moving in with her, and he can reign her in.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Thank fucking goodness for that.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh heh. Yeah, well he'd have to, wouldn't he? Heh. I'll bet she loves having someone who can get her outta trouble quick.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah, she's always been a bit fucking irritated with Victor & the fact that he can do that stuff but he doesn't… Alright, I got the dishes done. Let's sneak out for a smoke.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yes, fucking PLEASE.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Come on.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): So how's shit going in non-fucking-crazy land?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): It's been pretty fucking normal & boring. Nothing too exciting to report. Zoe's ex is dating some chick named Ophelia, Sey is still mooning over Oliver, River still won't move in with me, Mom & Dad have been talking about a vacation just the two of them but that means I have to watch Goo. You know, the fucking usual.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. You ready to tear your hair out yet?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I would fucking trade you in a heartbeat.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Really? You want a kid, and your boyfriend's half-brother looking to murder you? :-P You know if you ever wanna come over, all you have to do is ask. I wasn't sure you'd be interested after Hiiri showing up.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I think I could fucking do without the murdering half-brother & crazy robot but I might take you up on that.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. I wouldn't mind. Besides, you know you wanna come meet the Lil' Bit. After she heard Aiden was her dad, she managed to track him down, took a boat and a fuckin' train from Ireland by herself, and showed up on his doorstep.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, that proves she's a Wilkes. How's Aiden holding up?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Hyperventilating on the inside he says, but he seems to be doin' pretty damn alright. And not just stiff-upper-lip bullshit. Actual fucking coping. I suspect she's a lot like he was when he was that age, so it feels... I dunno, right somehow? Not like his fucking family ever make him feel like he was a part of it. He knows what it's like to be cast off by the Wilkes. Plus, it gives him a purpose. Heh. He never said, but he was getting bored as shit working at the museum. That's why he was so fucking on board for me doin' spy work for the old ladies, I'll bet. Gave him an excuse to tag along.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. That sounds about right.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): God, what the fuck is it with this family and the people we know? Are we allergic to fucking normal?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. No, I think this is just normal for us.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh heh. Yeah. I guess so. Guess there's no helping it, then. I'd better get back to the kitchen. Somebody's gotta make those damn muffins.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I'm gonna get out of your hair. See ya later!
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Later, Stretch.
At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Lily (to George): Thank you for the lovely day out, George. I had a lot of fun.
George (to Lily): You're very welcome, Miss Lilian. I'm sorry I wasn't able to introduce you to Charles, but it was a busy day at the inn.
Lily (to George): Heehee. It's alright. A real boy would have spoiled our fun, I think.
George (to Lily): Heehee. Well, definitely Charles would. He's a bit of a wet blanket.
Lily (to George): Heehee.
Aiden (to Lily & George): I was beginning to wonder when you two were going to return. Did you have fun?
Lily (to Aiden & George): Yes, very much so. Can George stay for dinner?
George (to Aiden & Lily): … I don't want to impose, Mister Wilkes.
Aiden (to Lily & George): I don't think she'll mind at all, George.
Mrs. Esterly (to George, Lily & Aiden): Good gracious, get inside the lot of you. Dinner will get cold. You too, George!
Aiden (to Lily & George): Heh. I told you. (to Mrs. Esterly) Thank you, Mrs. Esterly.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily, Aiden & George): Hee hee. That's what I like to hear.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): It smells delicious, Mrs. Esterly. Ms. Dvorak sends her regards. She's been under the weather.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Has she? Oh dear... I'll be send you back with some chicken soup and a bit of sherry. That should help. Let her know I'll be by no later than tomorrow to see her.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): That's very kind of you.
Aiden (to George): Relax, George. You look nervous.
George (to Aiden): I'm sorry, your lordsh-- Mister Wilkes. You're not usually here when I've been here.
Aiden (to George, Lily & Mrs. Esterly): There's no reason to be nervous. I'm no one special. Let's just enjoy our dinner. Shall we?
Lily (to Aiden, Mrs. Esterly & George): Heehee… You make her nervous, Daddy.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Lilian, that isn't polite, dear.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry, ma'am. (to George) I'm sorry, George.
George (to Lily): It's alright, Miss Lilian.
Aiden (to Lily, George & Mrs. Esterly): … Well, this is one of the most awkward dinners I've ever had. What did you ladies do today?
Lily (to Aiden, George & Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. I'm sorry, Daddy. We wandered the gardens, went to the Longfellow Inn for lunch, had afternoon tea at a sidewalk café & went to a museum to look at the artwork.
George (to Aiden): We made sure to stay out of the Tombs, sir.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily, George & Aiden): Hee hee hee. It sounds like you two had quite the day.
Aiden (to Lily, George & Mrs. Esterly): Indeed, it does.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily, George & Aiden): I'm glad you two had a good time. Who would like some desert?
Lily & George (to Mrs. Esterly): I would! Heehee.
Aiden (to Lily, George & Mrs. Esterly): I'm beginning to feel heavily outnumbered by women in this house. :-P
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): At the moment, you are, dear. (to George & Lily) Here you are, girls.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, ma'am.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly, George & Lily): If you'll excuse me, ladies. I'm going to go have a quiet post dinner smoke.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course, Master Aiden. (to Lily & George) Would you girls mind helping me with the washing up?
George (to Mrs. Esterly & Lily): Not at all.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily & George): Thank you, girls.
A moment later, in the back garden:
Roland (to Aiden): ... Oh. Hello, Aiden. I'll admit I wasn't expecting to find you here.
Aiden (to Roland): … I wasn't expecting to find YOU here at all. What do you want, Roland?
Roland (to Aiden): Tsk. You're not even going to pretend we can be civil to one another? Fine. I thought I should warn you. Mr. Wilkinson confronted me about Lily a few days ago. I was suitably baffled, of course. As we discussed. Today he resigned from his post. Whatever dreadful think he has planned for his pièce de résistance, I fear it's coming soon.
Aiden (to Roland): Well, thank you very much for the warning, Roland. I'm sure we can handle whatever he has planned. Shouldn't you be getting back to your family?
Roland (to Aiden): Yes, I should. Best of luck, Aiden. ...Have you hidden the girl properly?
Aiden (to Roland): Yes, she is… Besides, she's not your problem any longer.
Roland (to Aiden): ... Good lord, Aide. Tell me you don't have her here.
Aiden (to Roland): No I sent her to a convent in Montreal. The French nuns there will take very good care of her, much better than the Dillons. They were baby farmers, Roland. It was terrible. This way, she'll be taken care of her whole life. Would you like the address?
Roland (to Aiden): ... I... No. I think it's probably better if I didn't, don't you? Good night, Aide. Give my regards to Mrs. Esterly.
Aiden (to Roland): I will… Good night, Roland.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen:
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Is daddy alright?
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Your father is fine, dear. He's just not quite used to this much hustle and bustle in the home. Your grandfather and uncle weren't very... They were much more reserved.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh… Did he grow up in a small household?
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily & George): Yes, he did. It was just his father and his brother, Roland. Your grandmother has never been a healthy woman, I'm afraid. I moved in to take care of the household when your father was still quite young.
George (to Mrs. Esterly, Aiden & Lily): Thank you very much for dinner, Mrs. Esterly. I should really be getting back to Ms. Dvorak. Lilian, if you want to do it again sometime, just let me know, ok?
Lily (to George): You can count on it, George. Thank you.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Of course. Oh! Let me get you that basket to take back to Margaux. Thank you for showing Lilian such a lovely time, dear.
A moment later:
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Here you are. Please feel free to stop by any time, sweetie.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, Mrs. Esterly. I'm sure Ms. Dvorak will appreciate it. (to Lily) Goodbye, Lilian.
Lily (to George): Bye, George. (to Mrs. Esterly) The dinner was very tasty, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Thank you, sweetie. Did you get enough to eat?
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): I think so. Heh. I ate a big lunch & we had some cake with tea.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Good. I'm glad to hear it. You're a growing girl. You need it.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. I think you're wonderful, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Ohhh! I think you're wonderful too, sweetie. Give me a hug. I'm so glad you're here with us.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Me too!
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Good! Do you like mysteries? I'm in the middle of a ripper of a yarn, and I wonder if you'll let me read it to you. Maybe you'll be able to help me work out who the killer is.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, that sounds like fun, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Hee hee hee. I thought you might enjoy that. Your father enjoyed it immensely at your age. He always could work it out. I'll bet you'll be the same.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): I am up to the challenge, Mrs. Esterly. :-)
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Hee hee hee. I'm sure you are. Come along. You can change into your bedclothes if you'd like.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. I'll go change.
A short time later, in the library:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly & Lily): Pardon me, I don't mean to interrupt. But, might I have a word with you, Mrs. Esterly?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course, dear. (to Lily) Why don't you read ahead without me and let me know what you think so far?
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. (to Aiden) Daddy, do we have more mysteries in the library?
Aiden (to Lily): Yes. I'll show them to you tomorrow.
Lily (to Aiden): Thank you, daddy.
A moment later, in the hallway:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Roland came by. Wilkinson confronted him about Lily & then resigned from his post today. I told Roland our cover story... He seemed satisfied by it.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Good. That will keep at least one thing from being uncomplicated. I'm sure he'll hear rumblings about the girl living with us sooner or later, but by then it won't matter. Don't worry, sweetheart. We knew it was only a matter of time before Wilkinson put his cards on the table. We'll meet him head on. Hee hee hee. We have too many smart and talented people on our time for him to get away with much. I'll let our little band know what's going on tomorrow. We'll be fine. How are you, dear?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Fine… I really wanted to sock him in the mouth.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I'm impressed you didn't. I can't say that I would have shown that much restraint.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. I decided I wanted him gone more than I wanted to hit him. I'll let you get back to Lily & your book.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. I remember how much you liked to try to solve mysteries with me when you were wee. I thought young Ms Lilian would enjoy that as much as you did. Hee hee. She reminds me quite a bit of you at that age.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. You're right. She does remind me a bit of myself at that age… Oh, and she appears to have fallen asleep in the chair. The day finally caught up to her, I think. Let me get her to bed.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. Of course, dear. ...Come here. Give me a hug, Aiden.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): …Not that I don't appreciate the hug, but what was that for?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. Oh, nothing much, dear. I'm just so very glad it's you and Nathaniel that will be watching over little Lilian. I dread to think of what would have happened to her if Wilkinson, or heaven forbid, Roland, got their hands on her. I know this hasn't been easy for you boys.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm actually quite glad, too. I don't care how she came to be her, but she's very much ours now. And, we're all lucky to have you & Persephone here. I think you've both helped make it easier. Thank you.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): You're welcome, sweetie. We're both happy to help out. Go put your little girl to bed.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am. :-)
A short time later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Ariadne (to Grigori): I have had a lovely day with you, dyadya. Are you feeling tired?
Grigori (to Ariadne): My soul is ready to fly, sestrenka, heh, but I'm afraid my body? Not so much.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. Let's get you back to your bed. I think I've let you be bad long enough.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Or perhaps not nearly long enough?
Ariadne (to Grigori): What are you scheming?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Who me? I am too old and too weak to scheme.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. You are a terrible liar when you are weak & old. What do you want to do, dyadya?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Vy slishkom umny. I might have a few things up my sleeves. As soon as things are solidified, I will let you in on my plans. Heh heh. I already know either Agatha or Margaux sent you over to keep an eye on me. I certainly don't mind.
Ariadne (to Grigori): ... I was going to tell you at the cafe the day you fell ill. They were concerned about your safety, that's all. I'm not an assassin or anything. But I'm guessing you already knew that. I did mean everything I said about caring about you & feeling like I belong somewhere. I'm sorry. If you want me to leave I'll completely understand.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Why on earth would I want you to leave? Heh heh. I knew why you were here from the beginning. I meant everything I said about you too, sestrenka. I enjoy your company. Very much so. I do hope that you will stay. You know I can't be trusted on my own.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heehee. I should have known. I hated not telling you. I'm not cut out for this spy stuff. Grifts & cons, sure. Spy stuff, no.
Grigori (to Ariadne): I'm afraid to say that no, you are not. Heh heh heh. It's quite alright. I like you just the way you are.
Ariadne (to Grigori): That's good. At least someone does.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ariadne, if someone doesn't appreciate you for the amazing woman you are, they don't deserve you.
Ariadne (to Grigori): No, dyadya, it wasn't a romantic complaint. Just an old wound. I was just thinking about my parents.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ah. I... Yes. I have decided. I am naming you in my will, sestrenka.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Chto!?! That's not necessary, dyadya. I mean, it's very sweet of you but I can't let you do that. What would people think?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Oh who the hell cares what people think? I'm a former spy and a casino owner. Why am I concerned with other people's opinions? If it really matters we can tell them you're a long lost cousin or a daughter or whatever will satisfy the lawyers.
Ariadne (to Grigori): ... Thank you. I don't care if all you leave me is a poem. I appreciate the gesture. But, you're not allowed to die anytime soon. Ji-- Mr. Yong, Michelle & I would be heartbroken.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Alright. I promise to stay around and torment all you young people for a while longer.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Good. Now, go to your room. Bianca is waiting to give you a massage & tuck you in. ;-)
Grigori (to Ariadne): ...Heh heh. You know, before your little "conversation" with all the girls in my employ, that would sound SO much more enticing.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Bianca's a big girl & I'm just the bossy new girl. I can only ask... Besides, she said she missed you.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Did she? Heh heh heh. You are an angel, sestrenka. I'll make sure nothing too strenuous takes place.
Ariadne (to Grigori): See that you don't, dyadya. I don't know if I could handle another handholding session with Mister Yong.
Grigori (to Ariadne): If you could convince me that Mr. Yong was in the lobby wringing his hands in concern, then I think I really would die of shock.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heehee. I was making him hold my hands. It was very awkward.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Bozhe! I cannot even begin to fathom that. It is too confusing. Excuse me. I shouldn't keep Bianca waiting.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heehee. Of course. Good night, dyadya.
A few hours later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. Shove over. Heh. God, would you think less of me id I said I was fucking beat after that shift? ...Is everything OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't want to talk about it right now. I'd rather enjoy the fact that you're home. Get over here.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You don't gotta ask me that twice. Oh! ...Heh. Hey. You sure you don't want me to get outta these clothes first? I smell like a... Heh heh. I'm guessing that's an, "I don't care."
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You're very perceptive, it's one of the things I love about you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. I'm real good at picking up on your subtle ass cues.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Would you rather I just acted like a caveman & dragged you to our cave? Because I'm sure I could arrange that. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha! Why? You feelin' caveman-ish tonight? Gotta admit, that doesn't sound bad to me...
