Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... What did you say?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): What? Huh? Sorry, I fell asleep... What time is it?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Very early. It's quarter past 5. I apologize I woke you. You said something about Xiao Wei.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Oh... Right... I did... I, uh, said that I killed her... I was just so angry. I kept thinking about how you could have died & that we were never not going to be a target for her... So, I skipped to where she was and I-- I shot her.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Mon dieu! C'était un truc de fou à faire! She could have slaughtered you! Are you alright? Are you certain she's dead?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): It was a headshot & I caught her by surprise... She never had a chance... I'm sooo sorry. I've never done anything like that. I didn't even hesitate... What kind of person have I turned into?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I'm very sorry to have put you in that position, Hari.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You didn't do anything, Ji Yong. I just can't imagine you not being in my life... She would have tried to kill you again. You said it yourself... I'm sorry. I keep trying to justify it to myself & I can't.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes, she would have. She is... She was insane, petty and had come to find me for personal reasons. If she had learned of you, she certainly would have targeted you. She had already threatened Gee... I see no reason for you to justify your actions. Thank you for keeping me and my brother safe. ...However, I know killing someone can be difficult for most people... Are you certain that you're alright?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Physically, yes. Mentally, I'll let you know... But, I think I'll be okay. I just needed to tell you. I was worried, you'd be upset with me. I mean, I did kill your first wife. :-/
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...What? Hahaha-- Excuse me. I'm not upset with you. I was going to kill her as well. Heh. I just didn't manage it.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. Well, yeah, but you're a former assassin. I'm just a crazy, overly hormonal pregnant woman.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't think you're crazy. I certainly had no emotional attachment to Xiao, & I'm grateful to you to for wanting to protect us
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. Thank you.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I was a bit surprised when you said you were worried I would be upset with you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I was a bit surprised that I was capable of that sort of thing. I guess I just didn't want you to think less of me.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't. I don't think that I could.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): ... You always say just the right thing. I love you.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I love you too... Please don't make a habit of killing assassins.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. Believe me, I won't.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Good... I feel like I owe Gee an apology for all those years of being annoyed with him for worrying about me.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. He understands.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Thank you for saying so.
Several hours later, at Renfield's; West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Mouse): Hi there, Aunt Emma… Um, it's Zoe.
Mouse (to Zoe): Shit, Zoe. When Vincent told me that you had changed a bit, I wasn't expecting that much… How are you, really?
Zoe (to Mouse): … Totally weirded out & freaked but I've been dealing with it. I don't really have much choice, do I?
Mouse (to Zoe): Heh. Sadly, you don't. I'm sorry you didn't have the opportunity to grow up in your own time but I imagine having my memories in your noggin wasn't making you look forward to going through it again, anyway.
Zoe (to Mouse): Heh. That's for damn sure… I know this is a really weird request but, can you make me a mint mocha? It's the one thing that I've been really missing since being on the other side. It would cheer me up. Please? Pretty please with sugar on top?
Mouse (to Zoe): … Fine. It's not fair that you know my weaknesses & the right buttons to push. :-P
Zoe (to Mouse): Heehee. You're the best.
Mouse (to Zoe): Heh. You're a brat.
A short time later:
Nathaniel (to Mouse & Zoe): Whah! Oh fucking shit!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Are you following me, grumpy?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): … You okay?
Nathaniel (to Mouse & Zoe): Yeah. Sorry. I'm still kinda supercharged... Long story. What the fuck are you talking about, short stack?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. I was trying to make a joke. And, apparently failing miserably at it. :-P
Mouse (to Nathaniel & Zoe): I'm not sure you can really call her that anymore, Nate. She's not all that short, anymore.
Nathaniel (to Mouse & Zoe): Yeah, well... She's shorter than me. (to Mouse) I'm working today... I am, aren't I? I kinda lost a day or two.
Mouse (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Yeah, but you were supposed to be here five hours ago, Nate. I've been covering your shift.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Oh shit! I'm really fucking sorry!
Mouse (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Heh. It's fine. It's been pretty quiet. And, Zoe was begging for me to make her a mint mocha. :-P
Zoe (to Mouse & Nathaniel): HEEEYY! I wasn't so much begging as-- Heh. No, you're right, I was totally begging.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Sorry. I got knocked on my ass for a bit. What do you need?
Mouse (to Zoe): Well, you could go to the counter and deal with the teenage couple, so Sey can go home & Zoe don't have to see them.
Zoe (to Mouse & Nathaniel): Why? Who is it? … Oh… Heh. Let me go with you. This might be fun.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Why? What're you gonna do?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nothing… I just want to see if they recognize me. Come on, please?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You are a terrible person ... Apparently, so am I. C'mon.
Mouse (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Try not to scare off my customers, you two. :-P
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Yes, ma'am. Sorry. Emma... (to Zoe) C'mon.
Zoe (to Mouse): We won't. (to Nathaniel) Right behind you.
Ophelia (to Colin): Will you get me one of those Espresso shakes? I feel like I need one in order to write this stupid paper on Pythagoras.
Colin (to Ophelia): Espresso shakes. I have no idea what that is. When did they get ice cream here? Why wasn't I informed?
Ophelia (to Colin): Heh. They've had them since the beginning of summer. I hope it's not a seasonal thing… Oh good, Nate's working. I like him.
Colin (to Ophelia): You do? You've met him, right? :-P
Ophelia (to Colin): Well, I wouldn't want to hang out with him or anything. He's too grumpy but, he makes the best espresso shakes. I DO have my priorities. :-P
Colin (to Ophelia): Heh heh. I'm just kidding. Nate is OK, all things considered. I'll go get you your shake.
Ophelia (to Colin): Heehee. Thank you. I promise I'll do something nice for you… Like, help you with your Calculus homework.
Colin (to Ophelia): Like I need help... Heh. Who am I kidding? I totally need help.
A couple minutes later:
Colin (to Nathaniel): Hi, Nate. May I get a mocha, lotta, whatta, froufrou milkshake whatsit? (to Zoe) … Oh, excuse me. Have... have we met?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. You could say that.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh. I... Um, what?
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. (to Nathaniel) Nate, should I tell him or let him figure it out?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Be nice, Shortie... (to Colin) She's a cousin. Here you go.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Spoilsport. (to Colin) I'm just teasing, sweetie. We've never met.
Colin (to Nathaniel): Thanks... (to Zoe) It, um, it was nice meeting you... uh? I'm sorry. What was your name?
Zoe (to Colin): … I don't believe I said. Nate, stop snickering.
Nathaniel (to Colin & Zoe): Agnes.
Zoe (to Colin): Yep, my name is Agnes. Yeah, I know. It's awful. It's a family name. I'm thinking of changing it to Demona.:-P
Colin (to Nathaniel & Zoe): ... Oh. Alright. Nice to meet you Agnes.
Nathaniel (to Colin): You should probably get that shake over to your lady friend before it melts, Colin.
Colin (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Oh! Yeah. Right. Thanks for the... whatever it is that this is.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Well, that was fucking awkward.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. No, it wasn't, it was great. I felt nothing for him & he didn't recognize me. I can't believe I had been so worried about seeing him again… Thank you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... You're welcome. Now get into the back. Colin keeps looking over here, and that ain't over real well with his date.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay, I'm going. I should get back, anyway. I'll see you later, Grumpy ass.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Yeah.
Ophelia (to Colin): Why do you keep looking over at that lady?
Colin (to Ophelia): I'm sorry. I can't shake the feeling that I know her. She must be a cousin on Mr. Potter's side... Sorry. Show me how to do that problem again.
Ophelia (to Colin): Heh. Alright, I guess I can do that, but only because you're so cute when you're apologetic.
A few moments later, in Zoe & Felix's room, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Zoe (to Felix): Felix? I'm back. Are you in here?
Felix (to Zoe): Hello, pretty lady. Heh heh. I suppose I don't have to hide this when you come in do I?
Zoe (to Felix): That depends. Whatcha planning on doing with it?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Just read it... Oh! What was that for?
Zoe (to Felix): Just for being you.
Felix (to Zoe): Well, I think I can handle that... Something isn't happening, is it? Am I about to die? :-P
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I certainly hope not… I just ran into Colin when I was on the other side getting coffee & well, I felt absolutely nothing towards him. Plus, he didn't recognize me & it looked like he was happy with Ophelia. It was good.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? Mr. Too-Well-Adjusted has moved on? Heh. I find that hard to believe, pretty lady. I know I would pine like a dog.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Well, I'm not going anywhere. You're completely stuck with me… Heh. You're in a good mood. What's the occasion?
Felix (to Zoe): Can't imagine. I got no sleep at all last night. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): Well, you poor man, there's always tonight, if you really need to sleep... Do you need to sleep? ;-)
Felix (to Zoe): Not in the slightest.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Good… So, what were you reading when I came in? It must have been wonderful to get you in such a mood.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. What? Your presence isn't enough? ... Hahaha! Calm down. I'm just kidding. It's a letter from my sister Marie. She said the babies we warned my mother about are safe. Apparently we were a couple of steps ahead of their Poppa. She also said she was glad I was well, and was glad I was staying far away from out mother and her schemes. I know it shouldn't matter, but... It still feels good.
Zoe (to Felix): That's wonderful news, Felix. I'm so glad the babies are safe & that your sister wrote to you... You've got a gorgeous smile, which I'm sure you're quite aware of, but it's nice to see you in a good mood.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Thank you. You say that like it's a rare thing. You know I can't help but be all smiles around you, gorgeous. I'm in a better mood around you than any other...
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee... I think you prefer me this way. Come on, admit it.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Oh no. I'm not letting you con me into this conversation. There's no winning it for me.
Zoe (to Felix): Why not? I'm not going to be upset. Is it really so wrong that I like hearing you say sweet things to me? When you say them, it helps me to believe them myself. Besides, I know you like me better like this especially after last night, you animal. ;-)
Felix (to Zoe): Me? I was hardly the animal! I half expected my heart to stop... Heh. I told you before, pretty lady. I love you no matter how you come wrapped. I'll say this, however, the increased confidence is VERY sexy.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'm glad you like it. I should really take advantage of this... Oh, here. I almost forgot. I got you something.
Felix (to Zoe): You got me something? What is it? What's the occasion?
Zoe (to Felix): No occasion. It's a locket. So, when you're off on the Wicked Sister, you'll know I love you. I just saw it & thought you might like it. If its hokey, I can return it.
Felix (to Zoe): ...It's not hokey. No one has ever... Thank you, Zoe. You won't catch me without it. I love you too. And I am feeling like a right royal ass that I have nothing to give you in return.
Zoe (to Felix): I didn't get it to make you feel obligated. The fact that you like it is enough. Open it. It's the best part.
Felix (to Zoe): I didn't mean that. I just meant I... Oh!
Zoe (to Felix): The inscription is from an E.E. Cummings poem, 'I carry your heart with me'.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. That you do, pretty lady...
Zoe (to Felix): ... Heh. Does that mean you like it? Because wow... I'm going to give you so many presents. ;-p
Felix (to Zoe): I like it. But honestly, you don't have to give me anything other than your presence. Come with me. Let me say thank you properly.
Zoe (to Felix): Lead the way, sexy man.
