At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Shit! Shit where the fuck am...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Lay back down, Nathaniel. You lost a bit more blood than I liked. That ruddy rabbit went for your veins.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yeah. No shit. How long have I been out? Fuck! I need to get back to work.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): I believe I told you to lay down.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): All right. All right... You fucking drugged me last night, didn't you?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Of course I did. I'm going to fetch you a plate.
A couple hours later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Gee! You look great, we missed you. (to Ji Yong) See, I told you it would be okay & the place is still standing.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes, you did.
Sang Gi (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): Heh. Good to see you, too. It's been pretty much business as usual while you've been gone… How terrible was he?
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): Oh, you know… Wondering if one thing or another was handled correctly. He tried to cut the trip short three different times. But, I faked fainting spells. Worked like a charm. :-P
Sang Gi (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): HAHA… I can only imagine. Give me a hug, new sister.
Ji Yong (to Sang Gi & Ariadne): Yes, she did. When she first went into labor I thought she was lying again... Vous êtes un oncle, Gee.
Sang Gi (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): I am? But I-- I thought it was going to be awhile. Merde! I'm not ready. I had a surprise… Wait a little while before you go upstairs. I need to finish something… I'm glad you're home.
Ariadne (to Sang Gi): … Okay. (to Ji Yong) What do you think that was all about?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...I am not sure. Are you feeling well? I was not planning on working tonight, just so you know...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): But, you want to go and make your presence known, don't you? … You can, you know. I won't be mad. I promise. And, I'm feeling just fine.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I know. I quietly checked how things were running earlier... Besides, I was looking forward to spending tonight with our family.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good. The babies and I are not ready to give you back to Dyadya quite yet.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Heh. I don't mind being yours for one more day.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): C'mon, I'm sure we can find someone to fawn all over the babies.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't doubt that at all.
A couple hours later:
Victor (to Nathaniel): Hey cousin o' mine, where have... What the ruddy 'ell happened to you?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Long story. How are your fingers?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Still broken... Are the fingernails on your right hand painted?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Looks like they are. Lilian was keeping me company while I was laid up.
Victor (to Nathaniel): ... Heh. I'll let you get back. Yuki'll be happy yer back. She said Wilkes has been insufferable the past couple of days.
A short time later, in the casino:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey, sexy. Whatcha need my help with?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? Thank the fucking gods! I was worried… Is Lily alright? Do we need to go home? What happened to you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Starling came lookin' for me. With a fucking bunny-bodied Mr. Carver.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Have you been drinking, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? No! Why? Am I acting drunk? ...Oh. Cuz of the bunny... No. I don't know why he was in a rabbit body, but trust me... It was fucking Carver. Don't worry. Mrs. E had a contingency plan in place. Lily hid with no arguments and Seph fried the clockwork nightmare.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Our little family... Well, I'm glad that you're back. Here's the note from Mister Park regarding what he'd like us to take care of. He & his new family are back.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh yeah? Heh. Lily will be happy. She said misses you and Story Time.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I do, too. It'll be nice to be home. Shall we get these chores done?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Whoo. Yes sir. You are all business tonight, aren't you? Victor said you've been driving Yoyo a little nuts.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): My apologies... We had a couple of big players in, last night & they were running a scam. They almost got away with it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh shit! I'm sorry. I'd have been back sooner, but Mrs. Esterly drugged me. She wasn't happy with the amount of blood I lost.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Come over here for a second, sexy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh Jesus! Heh... Hey. You're kinda cute when you're being demanding, you know that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I think I've heard that once or twice. I'm glad you're okay.
