At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mirabelle: Hello? Anyone home? … Where is everyone? This house could use a thorough cleaning. Where is the staff?
At Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Ariadne (to Grigori): Good morning, dyadya. Have you seen Ji Yong this morning? I'm a bit concerned.
Grigori (to Ariadne): ...Not yet, sestrenka. I'm sure he'll come walking through the door, frowning as he always does about something or another... (to Nicolette) Nicolette, girl, what are you fussing about now? I can't understand you when you... (to Ariadne) Hari? Perhaps you should stay here.
Ariadne (to Grigori): … Is it bad?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Let me be the one to find out. Ne volnuysya.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Ya postarayus' ne delat' etogo, dyadya.
A short time later, in the backyard:
Grigori (to Ji Yong): Mr. Yong? (to Nicolette) … Stop standing there wringing your hands, girl! Go fetch two boys to help me bring him inside and find Doctor Crow!
Ji Yong (to Grigori): Mr. Rodchenko ... I am... I am sorry for... For my state. My arm is broken in two spots... stitches will be...
Grigori (to Ji Yong): Shhh. Let the doctor figure that out, Mr. Yong. It will give him something to do for today. We're getting you inside.
Ji Yong (to Grigori): ...Hari et Gee...
Grigori (to Ji Yong): Are both fine. They will be bothering you momentarily... Stop trying to stand up, you fool!
A moment later, in Grigori's kitchen:
Grigori (to Ariadne): Hari, come tell this foolish man of yours to stop his moving or he really will die on my steps. Bring a mallet with you.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. Yes, dyadya… How bad is it?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Worse than I've ever seen him, but he will survive. Out of sheer stubbornness, I suspect.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. That sounds about right… Excuse me, I'm about to be sick.
A short time later, in the backyard:
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong & Grigori): Merde! Ji Yong! I just ran into Nicolette on her way to get the doctor… What can I do to help?
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): ...Gee? Tout va bien... Je suis bien.
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): Vous êtes un mauvais menteur. I'm glad you came back. I wasn't really looking forward to having to tell Hari you were dead.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi): No... I would not imagine so. Hari is... Is she well? She is...
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong): She's been spending a lot of the morning in the bathroom… I guess that's normal for a woman in her condition. She was going to see a doctor but since you've got one coming here. I guess she won't have to go far.
Grigori (to Ji Yong): She is currently making a mess of my kitchen. Come Gee. Let's get your brother inside so he can bleed on my sheets instead of on my steps. ...Have you got him?
Sang Gi (to Grigori): Heh. Yeah, I think so… Is it weird that I'm sort of missing school right about now?
Grigori (to Sang Gi): Heh heh. I think I would be a bit more shocked if you didn't. Lay him down in here. I think he has passed out again. Blood loss and pain are too much for even our Mister Yong, it seems. I'll let Hari know where he is.
Sang Gi (to Grigori): I'll see if I can get Ji Yong cleaned up so he doesn't bleed all over your nice sheets. :-P
Grigori (to Sang Gi): Thank you, Gee. First Hari, then Mr. Yong... Perhaps it is time I invest in some dark colored linens.
A moment later, in Grigori's kitchen:
Grigori (to Ariadne): Hari? Sestrenka? Are you feeling better?
Ariadne (to Grigori): Yes. I think so... Sorry about that.
Grigori (to Ariadne): It's fine. From what I hear, it is normal for a woman in your condition, is it not?
Ariadne (to Grigori): … Heh. I was going to tell you after I saw the doctor. How did you know?
Grigori (to Ariadne): I overheard Gee talking to Mr. Yong. What a terrible thing to realize: to think I'm old enough to be a great-grandfather!
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. I am twenty-seven years old, Dyadya. Hardly, an outrageous age to have a baby. My mother & grandmother were both much younger when they started having children…I honestly, didn't think I was going to have any, since I hadn't really met anyone special enough to imagine having any with… Bozhe moy! Is Ji Yong going to be okay? I don't want to do this without him.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Doctor Crow will take good care of him, sestrenka. After dealing with me, Mr. Yong's injuries should be a welcome respite. Go see him, and put your mind at ease.
Ariadne (to Grigori): You're right, I should.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh. He's currently unconscious if you what you're avoiding it talking to him.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. Slightly… He asked me to marry him, dyadya.
Grigori (to Ariadne): He did? ... I think perhaps I am speechless.
Ariadne (to Grigori): He just found out he was going to be a father & was heading off to be killed by his first wife. I doubt he had really put much thought into what he was asking.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh. If you don't want to marry him, I'm sure we could convince him the proposal was a delusion brought about by his concussion… Did you say first wife?
Ariadne (to Grigori): Well, I assume she was his first wife. He said he was very young & she was the woman who trained him. I mean, I just learned about her. Who knows how many others there are? ... I'm sorry. I'm a bit of emotional wreck.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Shhh. It's alright, sestrenka. It's alright... Would you like me check on him for you? I believe I heard Doctor Crow arrive.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Yes please. Just give me a minute to refresh myself. I'll be right in.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Of course.
A little while later, in Grigori's guest room:
Grigori (to Sang Gi): Is your brother awake?
Sang Gi (to Grigori): Just barely. He's being very stubborn.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi & Grigori): Je ne suis pas...
Grigori (to Ji Yong & Sang Gi): Heh. So I see. Perhaps I will ask you then, Gee. What is this business about him having a wife?
Sang Gi (to Grigori): Merde… Xiao Wei was his mentor. They got married early on… He was a bit taken with her. She was batshit crazy. Ji Yong told me it was never consummated & probably not even legal… I've never been quite sure about that. She was crazy but pretty damn beautiful for an older woman.
Grigori (to Sang Gi): Ah. You think he was lying about that. Heh. I don't suppose that's the sort of thing a man discusses with his younger brother.
Sang Gi (to Grigori): Heh. Well, I guess that answers that… I'm not sure I could have resisted her. She was something.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi & Grigori): It... it wasn't. Nous... Nous n'avons jamais eu le sexe... She was...was not interested in...relations with a child. She preferred cutting me or burning me with a pipe...
Sang Gi (to Ji Yong & Grigori): Putain…
Grigori (to Ji Yong & Sang Gi): I think perhaps that would make her easier to resist, don't you?
Ji yong (to Grigori & Sang Gi): Qu'est-ce que je... What did I say? ... What did Doctor Crow give me?
Sang Gi (to Grigori): I see your point. (to Ji Yong) Some really good pain medication, apparently.
Ariadne (to Sang Gi, Grigori & Ji Yong): … Am I interrupting?
Grigori (to Ariadne & Sang Gi): Not at all, sestrenka. Gee and I were just leaving, weren't we?
Sang Gi (to Ariadne & Grigori): Yes… We were.
Grigori (to Ariadne, Sang Gi & Ji Yong): Heh. I'm afraid Mr. Yong is a bit drugged at the moment.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. I'll try not to take too much of an advantage. :-P
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Hari! Vous allez bien? I... I cannot get up.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oui, je vais bien ... tu âne stupide. What on earth were you thinking going up against that woman?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I was afraid she was going to start killing people. I worried she would start with you or Gee...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yeah, and leaving me here to raise our children, keep an eye on your brother… Not to mention, Dyadya. If you want to not be involved in our lives. All you had to do was say so. I think getting yourself killed is a bit, pardon the expression, overkill.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Wha... what?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You heard me! You tell me a whole bunch of serious shit… propose to me and then run off to get yourself killed. I can't help but be a little bit pissed off at you.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes... I am sorry... That was foolish. If I...if I didn't want to be here, I would be dead or... or back with the Bleak House.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Did you kill her?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't know... We went out of a second story window... I lost consciousness after that. She's better than I am. She always has been... But I had more to lose.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh... It's not really good news to hear that your husband to be's first wife may still be out there wanting to kill him. I mean, if you still want to get married that is… I don't want you doing it just because I'm pregnant. I'm completely fine with just living in sin for awhile or keeping separate places like we have been. But, if I'm going to get married, I'd like it to be to you… That all sounded way better in my head.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I would like to marry you... I was thinking about it, and when I learned you were pregnant... I would've preferred to ask you in a less dramatic fashion...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You were? … Is that why you've been a lot more open about your family & past?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Yes.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Well then, when you're feeling better ask me again.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes... I will.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good... I love you. Now, get some rest. I have to go see the doctor.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. I love you, as well...
A couple hours later:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Are you ready to take us home, Nate? Seph & Joseph will be joining us later.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... Heh. I'll give Nice one thing, no one gave a shit about you and me. Before we gotta go back to "behaving" ourselves in New London, c'mere...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh… We could move here, if you like. Not the casino, of course. But, here in Nice. I doubt anyone would complain. Mrs. Esterly & Lily seem to enjoy here. Seph & Joseph could stay as caretakers at the house in New London. She wouldn't want to go to far from her family… Just a thought, anyway.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I know Lilian wouldn't. She loves the damn beach. Maybe... When shit calms down. Who's going with us?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Just you & me for now. I want to make sure it's safe before we bring Mrs. Esterly & Lily. It's been fairly quiet since Wilkinson's death but I just want to be sure.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Alright. Grab my hand. It shouldn't sting as bad this time cuz of the doodad Mars made...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That's a blessing.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You're tellin' me. Getting through that inhibitor... My hand, Aiden. I said grab my hand. Heh heh. You always do that...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): What? It's a much better place to hold. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Alright. Have it your way, but if I get distracted and open a portal in the middle of the ocean... Ready?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes… I like it when you act all bossy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Shit yeah you do... One, two...
A moment later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Here we are. See? That barely tickled.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes… Something's wrong… Someone's in here, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit. Yeah. If you wanna take the point, I'll watch your ass...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You do that.
A few minutes later:
Aiden: Stop right where you are! How did you get in here? (to Mirabelle) … Mother? What are you doing here?
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Mirabelle): Mother?
Mirabelle (to Aiden): Aiden! Look how you've grown… I haven't heard from your father in weeks. No one comes to visit me, anymore. It made me worry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Mirabelle): Yes… Nathaniel Jones, this is my mother, the Lady Mirabelle Elisabeth Terry Wilkes. Mother, this is my companion and friend, Nathaniel Zachariah Jones. .. How did you leave the sanitarium, mother?
Mirabelle (to Aiden & Nathaniel): … Oh… I just walked out.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Mirabelle): It's nice to meet you, ma'am.
Mirabelle (to Nathaniel): Nice to meet you… You're a bit skinny. Do you not eat? (to Aiden) Aren't you going to give me a hug, Aide?
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Oh yes, of course… (to Nathaniel) Nate, please, get my brother.
Mirabelle (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh, good. While you're inviting people over, Aiden, get your sister, too.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... He's gonna love that. (to Mirabelle) Excuse me, ma'am.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): … Mother, I don't have a sister. (to Nathaniel) Just hurry. Please?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I will.
Mirabelle (to Nathaniel): I'm sure, we will see you shortly. (to Aiden) Of course, you do, Aiden dear. It's one of the deep dark Wilkes secrets.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Mother, I have no idea what you're talking about. Why don't you sit down & I'll make us some tea?
Mirabelle (to Aiden): Oh yes, tea would be nice. The tea they serve at the home is quite atrocious. A grumpy Irish nurse makes it. I don't remember her name.. O something.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Mother, that's terribly rude.
Mirabelle (to Aiden): Is it? … I suppose I should apologize… Is that young man your lover, Aiden?
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Just sit there while I make the tea… Mother, what sort of question is that? Here's your tea. I set out cookies as well. Sadly, we have a limited choice. We haven't been home in some time.
Mirabelle (to Aiden): So, he is? It's alright. I always suspected that about you.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Mother, I don't really feel like having this discussion with you. You have made your opinion of me quite clear my whole life. Now, why exactly are you here?
Mirabelle (to Aiden): I told you. Your father. He refuses to visit me or send anyone.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): … Mother, Father is dead. As is his assistant, Mister Wilkinson. Roland told you during his last visit.
Mirabelle (to Aiden): Oh yes… How stupid of me.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): Dear God, you're crying… Mother, it's alright. It's very sad... There, there.
A little while later, at Roland's house; New London, Britannia:
Roland (to Nathaniel): ... When Ms Temple said a very rude young man was insisting on seeing me, I should have realized. Please leave. Whatever it is, I'm sure that I have no interest.
Nathaniel (to Roland): It's your mom. She showed up at our house.
Roland (to Nathaniel): Tsk. It's hardly "your" house, Mr. Jones. ...I doubt my mother is there. She's in the sanitarium.
Nathaniel (to Roland): Yeah. The possessive pronoun is what you should be focussing on. She's not in the sanitarium; she's in our damn living room. You need to come give us a hand with her.
Roland (to Nathaniel): I do not have time for this. Unlike you and my little brother, I have a multitude of concerns and responsibilities. None of which will wait while I engage in some sorted little family melodrama. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've given you...
Nathaniel (to Roland): The only way you're finishing that sentence is through broken teeth. If it wasn't for your brother, you wouldn't BE here. You are fucking dealing with your family and you are doing now... You help us, and we'll help you with your CLANNG problem.
Roland (to Nathaniel): How did you... It doesn't matter. I hardly think we need your "help."
Nathaniel (to Roland): Yeah? Your agents started showing up decapitated in Hyde park yet?
Roland (to Nathaniel): ...What do you have to do with this?
Nathaniel (to Roland): Don't be fucking stupid. I didn't DO shit. But, I know shit. Come on. Move your fucking ass.
Roland (to Nathaniel): ...Very good. Let me get my coat.
A short time later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Hello? (to Roland) Will you get in here?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Roland): Oh good, you're here. (to Mirabelle) Mother, it's time to go back… Don't you think?
Mirabelle (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Roland): No… I don't want to go back there. Where's your father?
Roland (to Mirabelle): <sigh> Father is dead, Mother. We discussed this. Remember?
Mirabelle (to Roland): … I try not to remember your visits, Roland. Nothing good ever comes of them. Where's your sister?
Roland (to Mirabelle): We don't have a sister, Mother. It's just Aiden and I now.
Mirabelle (to Roland): Oh? But, I thought… Nevermind.
Roland (to Mirabelle): We should get you back to the Sanitarium, Mother. You haven't been taking your medication like you should, have you?
Mirabelle (to Roland): … But, I was feeling better. (to Aiden) I'm sorry, Aiden… you've always been a good boy. It wasn't your fault.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): It's alright, Mother… (to Roland) Will you take her back, Roland or should we call the sanitarium to pick her up?
Roland (to Mirabelle & Aiden): I really don't have time for for this. Nor do I have time to watch her until the Sanitarium sends a cab. But I suppose it can't be helped, can it? Come with me, Mother. We'll get you back. (to Nathaniel) I expect you will make good on your promise, Mr. Jones.
Nathaniel (to Roland): Yeah. God forbid you help your family out without some kinda bribe...
Mirabelle (to Roland): Oh, yes of course… (to Aiden) Aiden, keep an eye out for your sister. She's bound to be around here somewhere.
Aiden (to Mirabelle): … Yes, mother, I will. (to Roland) Thank you, Roland.
Roland (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Good night, Aide. Mr. Jones.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So… What was all that about a promise?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I promised to curl his hair and take him shoe shopping. Don't worry about it right this second. Are you alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Yes, just fine. Would you like a whiskey? Because, I certainly could use one.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. You look fucking fine… Sit down. I'll get it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I want to go back to Nice & never come back, to be perfectly honest.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Here. How are you really doing? And don't tell me fine! I've had enough bullshit British double talk outta Roland tonight. C'mere... I wish I knew what the hell to say to you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's alright. What would you like to do?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... I dunno. Honestly, I miss West Piedmont, but it isn't like we can show up there with Lilian in tow callin' us both Dad. I like Nice better than New London, cuz I can be your fiancée there. Heh. Even if I can't speak to anyone... This makes me sound fucking pathetic, but I don't care as long as you and Lilian and Mrs. Esterly are there. So long as it isn't Mississippi. Heh. 'Sides I can visit everyplace else.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … We couldn't stay in West Piedmont. As your aunt & uncle once explained it to me. We'd all be pulled back to this side, eventually. What do you say we give Nice a try? Mrs. Esterly may want to come back here but West Piedmont might be a bit too much. I just think I've grown quite tired of New London.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh yeah. Heh. I forgot about that. I been hanging out with my freaky ass family too long. Like I said, almost any place is good with me s'long as you're there... How much whiskey have you had?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Just what you gave me. Why? Worried that this is all drunk talk? Or are you hoping that it is? ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Nah. I'm just trying to get you to relax. You're tense as fuck.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sorry. I was just thinking about my mother & what she said. Why was she going on about a sister? Was it just her insane ramblings or did my father have another child out there?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Nah. I'm just trying to get you to relax. You're tense as fuck. Here. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he did. ...Why'd she come here? I thought you upset her. That's why she didn't wanna see you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know... She kept going on about father not visiting her. Maybe, she's tired of the Wilkes family's secrets & lies. I know I certainly am… Let's find a nice little house in Nice where we can have a somewhat normal existence & forget all this shit.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh... A normal life? Seriously? Ha ha ha! Have you fucking *met* us?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I did say "somewhat", you ass.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): 'Sides, even if that were possible, you know we'd both end up bored and doing weird shit or something.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, that's why I suggested Nice. There seems to be a lot of excitement going on there. Especially, with Mister Park being injured & Hari cutting her hours. We could possibly work at the casino. If Mr. Rodchenko would have us, of course.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Damn. Passing idea my ass! You put a lotta thought into this, didn't you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Not a lot of thought. We just all seem much happier there. Too many bad memories in Britannia.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...Yeah. I'm not gonna argue with that. It's weird being back here after all that... Anyway. I'm sorry your family is shitty.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It just helps to cement my feelings about the family that we've made… Speaking of which, did you hear about Hari?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. Shit... Is she alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. The rumor among the staff in the casino is that she is with child. I overheard Nicolette talking. For people that work for a former spy, they are awfully gossipy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! That's because spies are the biggest fucking gossips I've ever met. Y'all are some nosey bastards. It's almost like you love knowing shit about people and things they don't want you knowing. Hari's knocked up, huh? Shit...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. That is the rumor. I suppose only time will tell if it's true or not.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. Guess so. Damn... Doesn't ANYONE we fucking know PLAN to have kids. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I think we know a lot of people that are too busy planning a whole bunch of other things. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh... I think we also know a whole bunch of fucking perverts.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I certainly hope so. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Oh yeah? Why is that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Because, who else would put up with us?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh heh. People with questionable taste. Lucky for you I'm a pervert and a fucking weirdo ...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love those things about you, handsome. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. That's cuz you're a pervert and a weirdo, yourself. C'mere. You're too fucking clothed...
A few hours later, on an airship; Nice, French Republic:
Xiao: I am not happy in the slightest… (to Ariadne) Yes… How on earth did you get in here? Who the hell are you, little girl?
Ariadne (to Xiao): Xiao Wei, I presume?
Xiao (to Ariadne): Yes… How on earth did you get in here? Who the hell are you, little girl?
Ariadne (to Xiao): No one of importance… This is for you.
Xiao (to Ariadne): Wha--
A moment later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Sang Gi (to Ariadne): Hari? Where did you just go?
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Oh, Gee… I was just on my way to check on Ji Yong. Why do you ask?
Sang Gi (to Ariadne): Because, I was just in there… You skipped somewhere. Didn't you?
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): … Yes. Please, leave it alone, Gee.
Sang Gi (to Ariadne): Heh. You forget, Hari. I'm used to this game. I grew up with Ji Yong. I can tell when someone has done something they're ashamed about & they don't want to talk about it… But, it's alright, I won't pry. Just don't let it get to be a habit. You're too nice of a person to let it hollow you out inside. Okay?
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Heh. Okay… You're a lot smarter than you like people to think you are, Gee.
Sang Gi (to Ariadne): Yeah, I know… Ji Yong is probably hungry by now. Here. I'll see you later.
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Thank you. (to Ji Yong) Ji Yong? You awake?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Hmmm? Hari... Did Gee finally get himself some rest?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes. He was just heading off to bed. I brought you some supper… How are you feeling?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oh. Good... I kept telling him there was no reason for him to sit here and keep watch... I've just been sleeping. I can... Merde! You can leave it on the table. I'll try to eat it later...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Give me a break. Your arm is broken. Let me help. I'll hold the bowl, you hold the spoon.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oh, yes. I suppose I need help, don't I? Thank you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You're welcome… So, I, uh, spoke to the doctor. And, it looks like I am indeed pregnant with twins.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Is everything... You are well? I mean... Are the babies well?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes. We're all doing fine. The doctor was having a heck of time trying to figure out due dates because of the skipping... But ignoring all of that, they are two healthy children. Do you want to know what they are? Or would you rather be surprised?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): C'est... C'est une excellente nouvelle! I was worried... You know the genders? ... I think I would like to know.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. We're having one of each… It runs in both of our families, it seems. :-)
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oh... Heh. I suppose it does, doesn't it?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … You're trying not to grin like an idiot, aren't you?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...I... Yes. It hurts a bit.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Really? … You know, Zoe could do her little healing trick to you, if you can't handle it.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): No. I am fine... I was trying to... Nevermind. I can cope with more pain than this.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee. You were trying to make a joke & I totally ruined it. I'm sorry.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... It's quite alright. I shouldn't... I have no talent for humor...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): No. I like your humor. It's very dry & subtle.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I believe most people would inform you that I have no sense of humor.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. They just don't know you very well... Would you like anything else before I turn in?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): No. Thank you... Good night, Hari. I love you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I love you, too. Good night, mon amour.
