At Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Bianca (to Grigori): Well, my bear, have I passed your little test? Or should I pack and return to Paris for the winter?
Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. That depends, my glorious one. Are you still interested in saddling yourself with me?
Bianca (to Grigori): Heh. Yes I am. I have enjoyed my time here with you and I am honestly looking forward to making it permanent. If you want me.
Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. I would be the most fortunate man I know. Would you do me the great honor of marrying me, Bianca?
Bianca (to Grigori): I thought you would never ask, my bear.
Grigori (to Bianca): Very good! Shall we start the planning? Or have you already?
Bianca (to Grigori): Planning? What planning? I thought we could just get a preacher. I have no desire to have another ceremony. One was quite enough… And yes, I was married once before. I was very young and it was arranged by my father. It's what lead me into my former employment when I divorced & decided to be my own woman.
Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. Since I was married once myself, this makes us even, does it not? We shall do whatever will make you happy, my radiance.
Bianca (to Grigori): You are wonderful, Grigori. Besides, I don't want to steal little Hari's thunder.
Grigori (to Bianca): Heh heh. That is very true. Thank you for thinking of her, my dove. You can be as kind as you are intelligent & beautiful.
Bianca (to Grigori): Heh. Are you kidding, my bear? She is insanely moody, at present. I learned very quickly not to upset a pregnant woman. One of the girls I used to work with in my early days was pregnant with a baby girl. She was the same… Why is it that the smaller the woman, the crazier they get when they're expecting? ;-P
Grigori (to Bianca): Heh heh heh. There is no safe way to answer that question.
Bianca (to Grigori): Heh… Do not worry. It wasn't a trap. I don't plan on making you a father any time soon or at all for that matter, my bear.
Grigori (to Bianca): Ha ha ha! I am certainly glad to hear it. Will you let me take you to dinner to celebrate?
Bianca (to Grigori): I would be disappointed, if we didn't celebrate… And then, we can continue the celebration in your room. ;-)
Grigori (to Bianca): It would be my distinct pleasure.
A few hours later:
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Are you alright, Ms Fenris? Is there something which you would like me to get for you?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): A new body would be nice… Could you possibly have the babies, instead? I feel awful & fat... And, I really want a steak. And fresh spinach with red onions… And, a chocolate milk shake.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't believe giving birth myself is an option, but I can see to your food requests. You can retire for the evening... I don't think you look unattractive... You are beautiful.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh… Thank you on both counts. Just so you know, I wasn't angling for a compliment. But I appreciate it all the same.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oui, je sais. Just as I wasn't humoring you because you are feeling insecure. Vous êtes la plus belle femme que j'aie jamais rencontrée.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee. Je sais que ce n'est pas vrai. J'ai vu les femmes que vous connaissez… This whole pregnancy thing is a big turn on for you, isn't it? That's totally what this is.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't believe that it is the pregnancy... I think it's more what it represents. And, yes, you are just as attractive, if not more so, than other people that I have met.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You say the sweetest things.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not particularly. I was being truthful... But, I am trying to be a more considerate partner.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I like you just the way you are, Ji Yong.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): And I am grateful for it.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. You have an exquisite smile. You should really think about doing it more often. :-)
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... Oh. I... Thank you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. You know, if we weren't already engaged. I'd ask you to run away with me.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. I understand the appeal... But, I... I must confess that am looking forward to seeing you in your "ridiculous" dress.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Well, I think you'll like it... I should let you get back to work.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Of course. I'll have someone sent up the stake, onions, spinach and chocolate shake to your-- to our room. I... I will see you later. Good night.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Merci. You are way too good to me, mon amour. I'm going to get spoiled.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not at all. Je t'aime. Bonne nuit jusqu'à ce que je vous reverrai.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good night. Je t'aime aussi, mon douce homme.
