At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You clean up pretty good, handsome.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks...You can still back outta this if you want, you know. Last chance.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate… It will be fine.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I know. Seriously, what's the worst that's gonna happen? Not like she can do shit to us at this point, it's just... I don't know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's just what? You want her to like me? To like us together? Even if she doesn't. It doesn't matter to me. I love you. And, I love our little family.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. I do too. A thumbs up from my mom isn't gonna change shit about us. I dunno what it is I'm looking for here. Heh. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Ready?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I'm ready.
A moment later, outside the Gilded Violet; West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oof. Here we are... And there's my mom... (to Mrs. Peter Jones) Hey. Mom, this is Aiden Wilkes. Aiden, this my mom, Sylvia Jones.
Sylvia (to Nathaniel): Oh! Nate! I didn't see you arrive. (to Aiden) Well... Hello, Aiden. Goodness! You're a tall drink of water, aren't you?
Aiden (to Sylvia): It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Jones. (to Nathaniel) Tall drink of water?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. It means you're tall and good lookin'.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh… (to Mrs. Peter Jones) Thank you for the compliment. That is a very nice blouse. The color is quite fetching on you.
Sylvia (to Aiden): Oh, good heavens. Aren't you a charmer? You don't have to be so formal, sweetie. (to Nathaniel) So he's British, is he?
Aiden (to Sylvia): I beg your pardon. I was raised to be respectful of my elders, Mrs. Jones. And yes, I'm British.
Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): ...Yeah. Anyone else ready to eat? Shoving food in our mouths means we don't gotta make awkward conversation.
Sylvia (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel!
Aiden (to Sylvia & Nathaniel): … So, what brings you to West Piedmont, Mrs. Jones?
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): To tell you the truth, I hadn't heard from my son in a while, and I was worried. The last I knew, honey, you'd stopped your medication & spent your time chatting with lord-knows-who online... I really was just worried about you. I tried to call your uncle, but I couldn't reach him.
Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): I don't need the meds, Ma. And I am SO not gettin' into this with you again. Why are you really here?
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I'm ... I'm glad you're alright, Nate. So... Aiden. Tell me about yourself. How did you two meet?
Aiden (to Sylvia & Nathaniel): Mrs. Potter was an instructor of mine. She invited me over for tea to help get me acclimated to town when I first moved here from London… We didn't start seeing each other until much later. I'm sorry. I just can't help shaking the feeling that this is all some sort of trap… Why did you wait so long to find out if Nate was alright? It's been over two years since he moved here.
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ... I know how this must look, but I honestly just wanted to...
Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): Dad and Bubba are outta town, aren't they?
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ...Yes. Suzanne and I have been attending these PFLAG meetings together... I'm so sorry, Nate. I know we haven't been exactly the best parents in the world...
Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): Yeah. No shit...What? Were you expecting me to disagree with you? If you're really worried about me, relax. I'm doing a lot fucking better than I was, and I'm happy. Really.
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ...Oh. Well...I'm glad to hear that, Nate. I really am.
Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden):
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Sylvia): If you'll both excuse me for a moment, I shall grab a smoke while you two are talking.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'll see you in a little bit, alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course.
A few minutes later:
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I should go. I'll get the check.
Aiden (to Sylvia): No, no. It's on me, Mrs. Jones. It's the least I could do. (to Nathaniel) Nate, please grab the check. Here's my credit card.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I got it.
Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Good heavens! You HAVE been raised with good manners, haven't you? Thank you, Aiden.
Aiden (to Sylvia): It was my pleasure.
Sylvia (to Nathaniel): I'd like it if you called or texted me from time to time, Nate. If you can. I know it's going to take time...
Nathaniel (to Sylvia): ...Yeah. I will. Maybe. Dad doesn't know about he meetings and shit, does he?
Sylvia (to Nathaniel): ...Your father loves you, Nate. He's... He's just a bit of a stubborn ass sometimes. (to Aiden) It was nice meeting you.
Aiden (to Sylvia): It was very nice to meet you as well. I hope you have a pleasant trip back home.
Nathaniel (to Sylvia): Yeah. Sure. Bye, Ma.
A few minutes later, on the street:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Holy fat baby Jesus... You were fuckin' amazing!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... You sound shocked.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah, I know I shouldn't be. I'm just jealous. I can never seem to behave myself around fuckin' Roland.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, who could? My brother is a petulant ass. Your mother seemed quite pleasant on her own. I suspect that she follows your father's lead when they're together, even if she doesn't agree.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... You don't disagree with my dad. Ever. He's the head of the fucking household. ...Think she was tellin' the truth? Heh. Nevermind. It doesn't matter... Let's head home.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Only time will tell, handsome. If we hurry, we might even get to tuck in Lily.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'd like that. C'mere for a minute, sexy ass... Thank you.
