At Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Percy (to Ariadne): Well, hello there, pretty lady… If I had known I would see legs like yours, I would have brought a camera.
Ariadne (to Percy): Where did you get that pickup line? The Dark Ages? … Can I help you with something, sir? Or should I start charging now?
Percy (to Ariadne): Ooooo. You're a feisty one. I like that.
Ariadne (to Percy): … If the next thing out of your mouth is that you like a girl with spirit. You & I are going to have a problem.
Percy (to Ariadne): HAHAHA…I would never say anything SO pedestrian, honey. I'm looking for a Miss Persephone Longfellow. Know where I can find her?
Ariadne (to Percy): I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not at liberty to say the whereabouts of any guests. If you would like to leave a note, I can see if we have such a guest & get the note to them if they are here.
Percy (to Ariadne): Well, aren't you just a stickler for regulations, honey? And, here I was thinking that you looked like the sort to have fun.
Ariadne (to Percy): I like to have lots of fun, sir… But, we've had some issues with unwelcome visitors. Feel free to have a seat in the bar while I make your inquiries. If they are here, I'll have them join you. Alright?
Percy (to Ariadne): … Fine, honey. I'll just have a drink.
A moment later:
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Is that gentleman at the bar being bothersome, Ms. Fenris?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. Only slightly, Mister Yong. He was asking after Miss Persephone. I just sent his note up to her room with a bellhop.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Very good. Please let me know if you need assistance.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Did I do something wrong, Mister Yong?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... Why would you think that?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Well, it just seems like you've been avoiding me. Is it because of Gee? Did he ask you to hang out with him while he's here? If that's it, I don't mind. I just wanted to know.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Ms. Fenris, I really can't discuss this at the moment. Mr. Rodchenko is concerned for the safety of some of his guests, so I've been doing extra security sweeps lately. I'm currently behind schedule... I'm not upset with you. I apologize if I caused you to think otherwise... I really must go. Excuse me.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh good, I'm glad it's just work keeping you busy… Would you like some help?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. That would be excellent. I would appreciate it if you would check the bar and the lounge. I need to walk the floor again.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Of course, Mister Yong.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Thank you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You had but to ask.
Two hours later, in the bar:
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Hey. Anyone sitting here? Heh. No need to pull a damn face. I just wanna grab something to drink. I can move down the line.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Feel free… Sorry for the face. I was just reading a letter from a friend.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Thanks... Can I ask you a question? Feel free to tell me to fuck off, but are you really Mr. Yong's brother?
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Mister Yong? You mean, Ji Yong? Yeah, he's my brother.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh heh. That answers that.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Did I just help you win or lose a bet? … Wanna drink?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. Neither. Just satisfied my own curiosity, is all. A drink would be fuckin' amazing right about now.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): … You look like a man who likes something simple and strong… Whiskey on the rocks?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. More like I'm a guy who likes something that gets the job done. That'll do the trick.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Heh… Good man… (to Bartender) Bartender, two whiskeys with ice, please.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): ... Man, I cannot get a bead on you. You're just like your brother, only in the opposite direction.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Oh, here I was hoping that you were hitting on me. You're not hitting on me, are you? Or is this some weird Colonist way of flirting?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Ha ha ha! What? Seriously? Might be for some guys. Not me. If I were coming on to you, you'd know. I ain't real subtle.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Well, that's a shame. Hasn't really been all that much male talent around here to interest me… unless, you like old men, which I don't & most of the women are pay as you go, which is tricky as Ji Yong put me on a very tight budget.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you, kid. I'm not in the market. I brought my own talent with me.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): … Kid, seriously? You're like, at most, a year older than me.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): m I? Shit... I might be at that. How old are you? 16?
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Seventeen… I turn eighteen in two months.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh heh. Yeah, alright. So in two more months, you'll only be a year or two younger than me. Maybe three. You're right. Sorry.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): … Do you not know how old you are?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): I've got a rough estimate, but things got kinda weird for a couple of years there. Fuck. They got REAL weird for a couple of years... Holy shit. How strong did the bartender make this shit?
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Heh. Clearly, not strong enough. :-P … So, my name is Park Sang Gi but you can just call me Gee.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Nate. Nice to meet you.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Nice to meet you, too. Did you really bring your own talent or were you just trying to let me down easy?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. Nope. I'm here with my boyfriend. He's off sightseeing with our kid. Believe me, if this were a coupla years ago, I'd be happy to take your mind off the old men. ;-)
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Heh. You're a funny one, Nate. But I'll stop with the heavy flirtation. No need to waste my good lines on someone spoken for.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. I'm hella fucking spoken for. Here. I'll get your second drink if you want, so you don't feel like you wasted some of your tight budget on a guy who isn't gonna put out.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Nah, I consider it money well spent for the company.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Ha ha ha! Thought you weren't gonna waste your lines on a guy who was spoken for.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): That wasn't a line, at all. I actually meant it. Besides, my brother is glaring over here. So, I figure it's worth it. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): What? Oh shit. Yeah he is... If I disappear, you're gonna have to explain to my boyfriend that I'm dead in a ditch somewhere.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Ji Yong won't kill you… Well, I don't think he will. You don't owe the casino any money, do you?
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): No. Thank god. I learned my lesson about gambling in a different life... Shit. He's coming over here.
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel & Sang Gi): Good evening, Mr. Jones. I hope my brother hasn't been disturbing you too much.
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Why do you always assume that I'm bugging people? He sat down next to me.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): I wasn't assuming anything. I'm simply operating off the information I have at hand. You have a habit of..
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi & Ji Yong): Um, I hate to interrupt the family drama, but he's telling the truth. I sat down here. We were just talking. Heh. About you, actually. I was kinda surprised to learn you weren't an automaton.
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong & Nathaniel): See?
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel & Sang Gi): ...Yes. This isn't the first time I've heard that. I'm sorry to interrupt. Excuse me. I should get back to work.
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Okay…. Have fun, Ji Yong.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi & Nathaniel): ... Yes. Good evening.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. Big brother's kinda overprotective, isn't he?
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Just a bit… Good God, He's so uptight. I don't see how a sexy, intelligent woman like Miss Fenris can hook up with my brother. She must have some really weird kinks or hangups.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Yeah? Really? I could give you a list of you why she might be interested if you want. Ha ha ha! Calm down. I'm just kidding. Hari... Hari's had a hell of a rough time. Bein' with a guy who she knows EXACTLY where she stands with is prolly a big part of it. Plus, he can take care of himself. And her. When your life's as crazy as hers, that in itself is a pretty big turn on.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel): Heh. Too each their own, I guess. I grew up with him & sometimes even I think he's an automaton.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Heh. Nah. He's not that bad. I've met worse.
Percy (to Sang Gi): Are you actually looking for an automaton to have fun with? Because, I'd be happy to oblige… (to Nathaniel) Hello, Nate honey.
Sang Gi (to Percy): … Um, I don't really do automatons.
Nathaniel (to Percy & Sang Gi): ...Hi, Percy.
Percy (to Sang Gi): That's cute, honey. Why don't you wander off? The grown-ups need to talk. (to Nathaniel) Isn't that right, Nate sweetie?
Nathaniel (to Percy & Sang Gi): Do we? Lucky me. Trust me, Gee. You'll be doing yourself a favor. I'll buy you that drink later.
Sang Gi (to Nathaniel & Percy): Heh. no worries. I'll catch you later.
Nathaniel (to Sang Gi): Later. (to Percy) What's up?
Percy (to Nathaniel): I came to drop off a care package to Persephone & to let you know that the Victor & company will be arriving in New London in the next few days and setting up shop in the bunker. Zoe seems to want to go on the offensive against Hiiri. She was hoping that you guys would join them soon. Victor & Zoe seem to be hatching a scheme and could use your input.
Nathaniel (to Percy): Yeah. Alright. If you see 'em before I do, let 'em know I'll be there.
Percy (to Nathaniel): I will. Now, I'm off to make friends with a beautiful French woman I met earlier before I head back. Toodles!
Nathaniel (to Percy): Jesus... Heh. Later, Percy.
A short time later:
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): You look like you could use another drink, sailor. Interested?
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Oh! Heh. Hey, Hari. Yeah. Percy has that effect on people. :-P
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Guy in the suit? Wait. What am I saying? There's a lot of dudes in suits here… I would pay to see a man in a fitted t-shirt. Or Hell, some jeans. God, I miss jeans.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Oh god... Yeah. Suits are nice and all, but I would fucking shank a man, in front of his mamma, to see Aiden in jeans again. Man with an ass that fine shouldn't be hiding it under 30 yards of material... Sorry. What was I sayin'?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Heh. I couldn't tell you. I was busy imagining your boyfriend in tight jeans. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Trust me. It's worth imagining. Want me to give you a coupla minutes more?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Yes… Shhhh… Your man is fine.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! No shit. You ain't tellin' me nothin' I don't already know. What're you lookin' so moony about. S'not like you're doin' too bad in the hot man department yourself, Itty Bitty.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): … I think he's going to end it. I mean, we were going very hot & heavy there for awhile but he's been "busy" a lot lately.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. Is that before or after the little brother entered the picture?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): I think he's freaked out that I'm not freaked out after the CLANNG attack. Yeah & then there's the little brother thing. I think he doesn't want to appear to be paying too much attention to me while Gee's here.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Wait. CLANNG attacked?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Well, it was more Delphine being whiny & vindictive… Ji Yong took care of it.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): As in permanently?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Yes… And, if I had been in his shoes, I would have done it myself. She's the one that took me to Maladori.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Yeah. I'm sure as shit not gonna cry myself to sleep over her tonight... Um... I'm not sure how to say this. Shit... I'm not sure if you want me to, but after yesterday... Mrs. Esterly's been working on my memories and shit... I know I said this already, and it doesn't fucking make anything fucking better, but I'm sorry.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Dude! It's okay. Really. I know it wasn't your fault. I appreciate you saying it but… Look Zoe told me what you went through That's one of the reasons why I was helping her spy on CLANNG. We've all been equally fucked up by what happened.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. I'll fucking drink to that. And I know I didn't need to say it, but... It felt good, you know? Anyway... I'm sure as shit not going to let Hiiri pull that shit again. Not if I can help it, anyway.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): ... Are we going to hug it out now? Come on, hug me. It'll make you feel better... Heh.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Will it? Really? You know you just want an excuse to get up all on this. Your super buff pretty boy isn't enough is he? You're just jonesing for someone scrawny and weird. It's OK. You can admit it. :-P
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Yes, I'm jonesing for some of that Jones boy action. It's true, you found out my deep, dark secret.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! You're just using me as cheap substitute for my uncle, aren't you? Oh shit! Or maybe it's Victor you gotta lady boner for? You do seem to like 'em stuffy and crammed into a suit. Haha! Shit! Don't fucking hit me! Your pet bodyguard'll open me up.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): You're a real dick, you know that? Don't get me wrong, I like that about you but still...
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. Yeah. I know. If I buy the next round, will you like me again?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): ... Ferris Bueller, you're my hero. :-p
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Ha ha ha! How long has /that/ quote been lurking around in my brain. Oops! Here comes your pretty man again. Heh. I'm gonna make myself scarce. He's been givin' me the eye since his brother hit on me.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Oh no! He's going to put his testicles on me. You know, like an octopus. :-p Wish me luck.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): What? Do octopus even HAVE testicles? Octopuses? Octopi? Octotesticles? Heh. heh. Wish me luck too. Somehow, I ended up kinda drunk. And by kinda, I mean "very." VEEEEEEEERY drunk.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): I was thinking about 'Better Off Dead'... Nevermind. Do you need help making it to your room?
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Oh. Yeah. Young John Cusack. Heh. Yeeeah... Nah! I'm alright. I've been in a worse way than this before. Later, Hari.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Bye, Nate. I'll have coffee sent to your room in the morning.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. You're nicer to me than I deserve. (to Ji Yong) Put the scowl away, Mr. Suit. I'm leaving.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Is there something I can do for you, Mister Yong?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... No. I have upset you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Wait. What?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): You seemed irritated. I thought perhaps I had annoyed or distressed you in some manner.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I'm fine. You said you weren't ignoring me & it wasn't the time to talk so there you are... I just missed your company.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...You did? Oh. I apologize. I suppose I assumed something else. If you don't mind, I would like so see you tonight.
